Islanders Teacher of the Month: Danna Carrillo

Danna Carrillois a fifth-grade teacher at Pulaski Elementary School in Riverhead. Read more about how the Future Goals Hockey Scholar program relates to her lessons.

ISLANDERS TEACHER OF THE MONTH
EVERFI IS TEAMING UP WITH THE ISLES
EverFi Future Goals Program
Sign Your School Up
Mar 2022: Gregory Walter
Feb. 2022: Danielle O'Connor
Jan. 2022: Nicole Miele
Dec. 2021: Michael Palermo
Nov. 2021: Pamela Ruiz
May 2021: Eric Burchard
April 2021: Christine Kearns
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I started my elementary school career in 2020 and this year is my first in an ICT classroom with my wonderful Co-teacher Mrs. Gerber. My journey into teaching is very unique. I attended high school in Quito, Ecuador and I volunteered in the mountains of Ecuador in a one-room school. That meant children from ages 4 to 12 were being taught by one teacher. I saw first hand the dedication that this teacher had by bringing the curriculum to life for the students. She made them fall in love with learning and I fell became infatuated with the idea of being able to do the same.
Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?
Anders Lee. I appreciate the work ethic and leadership that he brings to the ice every game for the Islanders. He's a true captain. A great captain knows to bring out the best in their team much like a great teacher knows to bring out the best in their students.
What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™ program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?
To quote one of my kids "it's like I'm in the actual place!" I love the visual effects the program has. The program reinforces math and science skills in an engaging matter. Mrs. Gerber and I have a diverse group of learners. Our students have various levels of background knowledge. Our students LOVE logging into EVERFI. It is so magical to them to be able to experience real life applications of fifth grade skills. I also find that after our EVERFI sessions our students have a better grasp on new educational material because they have that new schema that allows them to make their education meaningful.
If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?
I would play goalie because I have quick reflexes. I do well under pressure. And of course, I am very GOAL oriented.