text: Gibson Academy - Ilyse Gorbunoff
  Many years ago, I came to East Orange as a new teacher. I had just graduated from Rutgers College and was excited to start my teaching career. I taught First Grade for several years, and loved every minute of it. Then my husband and I decided to start our family. I stayed home for a few years to raise our three sons. It was wonderful that I could be home with my boys, but every September I missed going back to school. I returned to the East Orange School district in 1998 and was so excited to be back doing what I loved.
  In 1999 I was so fortunate to be asked to join the staff of Althea Gibson Academy. It was exciting to be part of the team that built a school dedicated to early childhood education and the importance it plays in a child's academic success.
  Over the years, I have been involved in the creation of many programs and events of which I am very proud. These include our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, our Grandparents' Day and numerous assembly programs in which our students perform. I continue to enjoy working with our PEAK students and involving them in enrichment activities.
  In 2008 I became Literacy Coach. In this position I have had the great pleasure of working with our administrator and staff to ensue that our students receive the best educational program we can provide. I also enjoy working with parents and helping them to understand the curriculum and how they can support learning at home.
  I am committed to our school mission to recognize the potential in every student, and will continue to help create a positive learning environment. By supporting students, faculty, and parents in a variety of ways, I know that I can help provide a rich learning environment for our students.