As the school year nears its end, Gilbert Public Schools catch up with the first-year educators it has followed through the year one last time to reflect on their first year at GPS, exploring how their initial expectations held up to reality and discussing their growth as educators.
Abigail Mintz, orchestra teacher at Oak Tree Elementary, Pioneer Elementary and Val Vista Lakes Elementary
When the 2024-25 school year started, Abigail Mintz was eager to build on her prior experience teaching in another district.
With the support and resources available to her at Gilbert Public Schools, Mintz was empowered to move beyond basic classroom management and focus more deeply on her students’ individual needs.
As a result, she was able to connect with her sixth-grade students, who were initially hesitant to adapt to a teacher they were unfamiliar with…