With 17 years of experience, her journey has been marked by continuous growth, advancing from teacher to leader. When she began teaching fifth grade at Southside Academy, it was there that her leadership potential began to take shape.
Elevated to the role of dean for grades 3-5, Gallo spent nearly six years working with upper elementary teachers and scholars, helping guide their experience and assisting when needed in the classroom. She then became interim principal mid-way through the 2023-24 school year and was officially named principal for the 2024-25 school year.
While initially unfamiliar with Southside and the area when she first came to the school, she knew this was the place for her, adding, I knew after my first year of teaching here I just wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I want students here to have every opportunity that kids elsewhere have. Education is difficult everywhere right now, and I’m committed to make the experience at Southside the best it can be for our scholars.
An important part of that opportunity is taking advantage of the school’s Moral Focus virtues and parental partnerships. Learning about wisdom, respect, self-control, perseverance, compassion, and more is a big part of attending Southside.
“We're here to teach kids and our Moral Focus virtues play a big role in that. We’re teaching them life lessons to guide them through their next chapters. It’s important for us to work with parents to guide that process because we all play a role in the success of these children.”
It’s not just students who Gallo encourages. She also uses her experiences at Southside as a point of encouragement with staff when talking about their futures.
“I'm super confident in the team we have, whether it's administrators or teachers,” she said. We have a lot of staff in this building that could be leaders and want to be leaders, so we're definitely encouraging people to take on new roles and really be their best self.”
With experience in a variety of different schools before joining Southside, Gallo learned quickly where she wanted to be and where she wants to stay.
“I have a deep appreciation for the children here and truly feel at home in this environment. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work in many different settings, but at Southside is where I truly thrive. I value the relationships I have with my colleagues, as well as the parents and children, all of whom contribute to the positive culture we share. It's a unique and fulfilling experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.”
Of all the reasons Gallo loves education, her biggest desire is for students to know that her support for them is unconditional. Even when they make mistakes. Each day is new.
Quick facts:
- While she claims to not have too many hobbies due to an active household with toddlers and an older son involved in athletics, Gallo does have a strong love for reading.
- She loves to be outdoors and will take her morning coffee outdoors at home whenever possible.
- Her advice when times are challenging: “Sometimes we just need to get back to ‘why are we here?’ We’re here to teach kids.”
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About Southside Academy Charter School
Southside Academy Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Syracuse, New York, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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