Yanaiza Gallant
Specialist
Year Honored: 2012
Lillian Feinstein Elementary SchoolProvidence, RI
At the time of the Award, Yanaiza Gallant was:
SpecialistLillian Feinstein Elementary School
Providence, RI
Subject(s) taught: Reading
Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Biographical Information
As the K-5 reading specialist for Lillian Feinstein Elementary School in Providence, Rhode Island, Yanaiza Gallant's impact is being realized schoolwide in terms of rising achievement levels. Gallant personalizes literacy plans and partners with classroom teachers to provide super-sized interventions for individual students. Her intervention strategies for the lowest-performing kindergarten students resulted in 93 percent performing at grade level, re-charting the trajectory of their young lives.
From leading literacy night to coordinating parent workshops, Gallant pursues every opportunity to promote success for all. To keep young minds actively learning during winter break, Gallant developed and coordinated an “Out of This World” winter science camp that reinforces math, science and literacy with a good measure of fun.
Gallant is secretary of Lillian Feinstein Elementary's Instructional Leadership Team and plays a key role in creating a revitalized professional learning community. She was previously a reading coach at the district level, where she continues to deliver professional development training and plays an active role in the district's grade-level reading campaign. Gallant attended Providence-area middle and high schools herself, adding a depth of insight to her service on the Mayor's Children Youth Cabinet.
