Charles Giglio

Research

Elementary education, secondary English and Latin

Teaching

Latin

Charlie Giglio was the Latin teacher for grades eight through 12 in the Gloversville Enlarged School District, but his students knew he was much more than that. He was also a mentor, a tutor, a supporter, a listener and an inspiration to others.

Charlie, whom his students refer to as "Mr. G," was in his early years of retirement when - out of his love and passion for teaching - he decided to join the Gloversville district in January 2006. The district said it planned to have Charlie phase out the small Latin program, but instead, he rebuilt it. His teaching style, likable personality and ability to connect with the students resulted in a strong enrollment increase.

Soon after he started working at Gloversville, Charlie organized an annual event to recognize student achievements in Latin and fostered the creation of the Latin Alumni Club. He connected the Gloversville Latin program with the University at Albany's University in the High School Program, giving his Latin students the opportunity to earn college credits. He worked collaboratively with Union and Skidmore College professors to promote Latin and is a member of the area's Latin teacher consortium, which creates Latin exams for Capital Region high schools.

Charlie's work outside his academic circles, however, may be what earns him the greatest respect from students. On his own time, he attends their extracurricular activities, such as sporting events, dances, proms and fundraisers. He looks out for his students' welfare, helping them to stay on a path to success by offering guidance, wisdom and words of encouragement. He organizes trips with his students to New York City's Cloisters Museum and lengthier adventures to Washington, D.C., and Italy. He's also brought his dog Tanner, a certified licensed therapy dog, to school for students' enjoyment and comfort. Charlie volunteers at churches as an organist and is certified to perform matrimonial ceremonies. He's even performed weddings for two Gloversville school staff members.

Charlie has permanent New York state certifications in elementary education, secondary English and Latin. He's certified as a school building administrator and school district administrator. He is a past president and vice president of the Learning Disabilities Association of America. He's a member of several professional organizations, such as the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, Phi Delta Kappa - Professional Fraternity to Education, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and the American Guild of Organists.

Charlie was an adjunct instructor at Marist College from 1979-1981. He taught English at Westfield Junior High School in Westfield, N.J., and Msgr. Farrell High School in Staten Island, N.Y. He taught Latin, theology and typing at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, N.J., and math, English and theology at Good Shepherd School in New York City. He's a graduate of Long Island University in New York City, where he earned a master's degree in bilingual and urban education; Fordham University in New York City, where he received a diploma in administration and supervision; Richmond College on Staten Island, N.Y., where he earned a master's degree in secondary education; and the Catholic University of America in Washington, where he received a bachelor's degree in Latin and Greek.

Mr. G is a teacher of Latin, culture, history, morality and integrity. He embraces the value of his students, shows them respect, gives them responsibilities and makes them feel important. Charlie Giglio was the 2015 New York State Teacher of the Year.  When he retired from the Gloversville Enlarged School District--great teachers don't just stop teaching--he decided to continue to share his love of Latin and his excellent teaching with university students as an adjunct lecturer at the University at Albany.