'Exceptional ' Art Teacher Is Bayport-Blue Point Educator of Year

BAYPORT, NY — A beloved art teacher is being recognized for her educational talents.

Carly Gayer, teacher at both Blue Point and Sylvan Avenue elementary schools since 2001, was recently named Bayport-Blue Point School District Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year.

The educator instructs grades kindergarten through fifth grade students and will also teach universal pre-kindergarten students during the 2022-2023 school year, a news release said.

Prior to working in the district, Gayer taught art at a middle school in Oswego and at a BOCES school in Sullivan County ,where she taught students ages 4 though 21 with special needs.

Gayer explained that although part of art instruction is about having a fun experience, it is equally important that students be provided an environment that cultivates respect, pride, independence, creativity and organization, and clear expectations so that children can become efficient, contributing and successful members of the artists’ community, the classroom.

“After their art-making experiences, the treasures and value of the finished masterpieces they walk away with are immeasurable, not just as artists, but as humans,” Gayer said. “They learn to problem-solve, self-reflect, learn from mistakes, talk and collaborate with peers, express themselves and simply just enjoy being creative.”

During Superintendent’s Conference Day on Aug. 29 and during the Sept. 13 board of education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney introduced Gayer as Teacher of the Year and read comments written by her colleagues.

“This exceptional teacher [Gayer] makes the world a more beautiful place not only with her incredible artistry and creativity, but even more so by the kindness, compassion and positivity that exudes from her day in and day out,” said Hearney.