Teacher Appreciation Week: Kristy Brennan at Big Cross

Glens Falls City School District recognizes national Teacher Appreciation Week by highlighting committed and enthusiastic teachers from every one of our schools each day of the week! Read on for an inside interview with Kristy Brennan—one of the most dynamic teachers around our district.

Mrs. Brennan is a co-teacher in Kindergarten and in first grade at Big Cross Street School. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh. She also holds a Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder from the College of Saint Joseph. She has been teaching for 23 years — 14 of those in Glens Falls City Schools!

Fun Fact from Mrs. Brennan: "I had a truly special experience when I spent a year teaching at the high school level and had the chance to have several of my former preschool students back in my class — this time as freshmen! Watching them grow and seeing how far they’d come since those early days in my classroom was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me of the impact we can have on students over the years and made me feel so proud of their journey."

Paul Morcone, Big Cross Principal, says Mrs. Brennan comes to school each day and finds a positive outlook in her conversations and interactions with students and her colleagues. "Mrs. Brennan finds solutions and has developed connections with her students and their families," he continues. "She is a member of our Attendance Team and serves as a coordinator for the HOPE Boutique where she volunteers many hours.  Mrs. Brennan truly is a passionate, caring educator that places children first in all facets of her day. Students and families are lucky to have her serving the Big Cross Community!" 

 

What do you do to engage your students? What makes your teaching and learning style or environment unique?

I believe that truly connecting with my students and understanding their interests is key to creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences. I always make it a point to bring those interests into our small group activities—whether it's designing a math game or creating a book with their favorite characters. I also use a variety of visuals, not just to support instruction, but to reinforce classroom expectations. This helps reduce disruptions, keeps students focused, and keeps our lessons running smoothly.
To keep engagement high, I like to mix things up throughout the lesson. For instance, during our phonological awareness activities, we use a toy microphone and take turns speaking into it, which makes each student's turn feel special and fun. I incorporate a lot of hands-on materials and interactive games to reinforce skills while also promoting important social-emotional growth, like patience, turn-taking, and good sportsmanship.

Why do you think it's important to teach the way you do?

I feel that building strong relationships and creating a caring, encouraging environment are essential for helping all students grow in confidence. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with a wide range of unique learners, and I’ve found that connecting with their individual interests is one of the best ways to motivate and engage them. I also love incorporating movement and hands-on activities, as they keep students excited and involved.

Describe your best lesson ever, or one you and students really enjoy.

While I truly enjoy teaching phonics and social-emotional learning, one lesson that has stood out over the years—and has become a favorite among kindergarten students—is a retelling of Mrs. Wishy Washy. Using props, students take turns pretending to be the animals splashing in the mud, getting scrubbed in the tub, or playing the role of Mrs. Wishy Washy herself. The rest of the class participates with interactive hand movements and joins in on some of the dialogue. They get so excited to take turns, act out the story, and sequence the events—it’s a wonderful mix of literacy, movement, and fun!

What's the best thing about GF Nation?

The best thing about GF Nation is the strong sense of community—it truly feels like one big family, like home. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many incredible teachers, support staff, related service providers, and administrators. It’s a true team approach, and I’m deeply grateful for each and every one of them.