INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Marcy Gibbs, SunRidge Elementary School

Marcy Gibbs is the resource teacher at SunRidge Elementary School.

As a resource teacher, Gibbs is charged with numerous responsibilities, but she spends most of her time teaching small groups to help students improve their reading skills. She works with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. 

“Marcy Gibbs is our dedicated reading interventionist, and her passion for literacy shines through every Eaglet she supports,” Principal Adasha Elmore said. “Her love for the SunRidge community extends far beyond the school day. She serves as a SAC leader and is the visionary behind our very first SunRidge Eaglet Garden. Mrs. Gibbs truly embodies what she has helped create — she blooms, continually growing, with roots deeply grounded in our mission: ‘One School, One Team, One Vision … SOARing High!’”

What brought you to your school?

SunRidge Elementary is my home. I moved to accept the job as an Interventionist. As a proud member of the West Orange community since 1991, I have taught at four other schools in the area: Dr. Phillips Elementary, Lake Whitney Elementary, Westbrooke Elementary and Windermere Elementary.

What do you love most about your school?

Working with an amazing team of educators, administration and families. Great things happen! 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

Without a doubt, teaching students to read!

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?  

Tough question, maybe a travel and/or food writer.

Who influences you?

In the age of “influencers,” I look toward scientists and authors to help me process and learn and hopefully improve all aspects of my world.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

I had an incredibly tough science teacher in high school, Mr. Turnipseed. Through his labs he helped instill in me a sense of hard work through both successes and failures. He was a true inspiration.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?  

My favorite is “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt. It explores the circle of life with incredible grace, driving home the idea that life is a single, precious ride. It teaches us that death isn’t the enemy but rather the thing that gives our opportunities meaning. We only get one shot at this journey, so we have to fill it with things that truly matter.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Spending time with family, traveling, yoga, hiking, reading and planning my next meal.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?  

Anthony Bourdain seems like he would be a wonderful dining companion. Stories of travel and food would help me plan my future.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

Time travel, I’d love to see the past but super curious about the future.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why? 

How about a mix of the hits of three decades: ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Add some acoustic, modern coffeehouse to the mix, and you would have my perfect playlist.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?  

PB&J, apples, with a side of chips.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving, without a doubt: family and food.

What is a fun fact about yourself that would surprise people?  

People are usually surprised to learn that I taught at a school older than the country itself. Founded in 1727, Ursuline Academy in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been around since 50 years before the United States was born. Immersing myself in three centuries of tradition and ritual there was an incredible way to experience history firsthand.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

I played lots of sports and participated in the student government, but soccer was my favorite.