Focusing on Student Strengths is Emphasis for Highcroft Ridge's Teacher of the Year

Angie Guccione caught the teaching bug early. In fact, she caught it from her second grade teacher, who she says inspired her to teach.

Guccione is now a fourth grade teacher and Teacher of the Year.

"To say I’m surprised and humbled is an understatement,"  she said. "I am excited to be working with this inspiring group of educators. Their enthusiasm for teaching is contagious."

She began her career in the Jennings School District and also taught in Ladue Schools before taking a hiatus to raise her children. During that time she owned a dance studio and served as an instructor. 

"Owning the studio served me well when my children were young. I taught in the evenings so my husband would be home with the kids. But as my children got older, I knew I wanted to get back to being a school teacher," she said.

Guccione said her goal is to keep lessons child-centered and to focus on her students' unique strengths.

"For children, small successes lead to confidence and that allows them to feel safe in taking risks in the classroom. They feel safe to ask questions in order to expand what they learn. It’s a great feeling for them and for a teacher," she said.

Applying learning to daily life is another important aspect of Guccione’s teaching goals.  She said she feels it’s essential for children to see how science, math or English affect their daily lives. It reinforces the importance of their education when students can relate classroom lessons to the real world.

"A gifted educator is one of life’s most precious gifts and Highcroft Ridge is fortunate to have such a person representing the school as this year’s Teacher of the Year," Principal Simone Wilson said in an email. "Angie Guccione is the kind of teacher any parent hopes their child would have and who any student would thrive while under her instruction." 

Guccione represents Highcroft Ridge on a number of educational committees. She is a member of the Diversity in Action Committee, which strives to celebrate the strengths of minority students and bridge the achievement gap. As a part of that committee, she is active in the Spirit of Excellence Awards, an annual Parkway School District event which recognizes African-American students who maintain a strong academic record and show leadership qualities. This year, more than 350 Parkway students were recognized at the ceremony.   

"We strive to build leadership qualities in these students by providing enrichment activities for those who may not have had these opportunities previously," Guccione said.  "Highcroft also has a ‘help squad’ for younger African-American students. Children who show promise in the areas of leadership and achievement are given jobs within the school that allow them to feel ownership in their school. Fourth and fifth grade students meet with teachers to give feedback about school and they work on academically challenging activities."

Guccione has taught at Highcroft for three years.  She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in adminstration.

When she isn’t busy with her classroom and committee work, Guccione enjoys spending time with her extended family. She and her husband have two children and a large family in the St. Louis area. She is an avid spectator at her children’s activities, which include sports, dance and theater. Traveling is a favorite pastime for the Gucciones. “I’ll go anywhere with sunshine,” she said.