Mentor Biography

Gayle Groff

After earning a BA in Music from Stanford University in 1982, Gayle went on to Alaska Pacific University for an elementary teaching credential and a Master of Arts in Teaching. For the past 25 years, she has taught at Mt. Eccles Elementary in Cordova, Alaska; K-6 music and band as well as kindergarten, fourth grade, looping first and second grades, and tutoring at-risk students. Gayle enjoys using science and social studies themes as a center for her curriculum in all areas, teaching children with specific language disabilities, and including special needs children in the regular classroom. She was a recipient of the 2009 Inclusive Practice Award from the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education.

Her interests outside of school include music of all sorts, community theater, boating, walking, reading, and working with teens at her church. Gayle enjoys spending time with her husband, Jack, their four children, nine grandchildren, her parents, and the family beagle.