Gail Hugo

“I love teaching first grade! The students are dynamic and eager learners! I admire the work of Fred Rogers and strive to demonstrate his principles in my classroom. I have found that demonstrating care, encouraging wonder, and ‘looking for the helpers’ have been key to helping these young learners flourish.”

A native of Latrobe, Gail Hugo taught in Pennsylvania and Virginia in grades K, 2, 3, and 5 before settling into her role as the first-grade teacher at Valley School of Ligonier. Throughout her 31-year tenure at Valley, her passion for first-grade learners has been evident in her delivery of a dynamic and ever-evolving curriculum. In addition to her first-grade responsibilities, Gail is Director of Community Service for Lower School, a position through which she helps children learn that they can positively impact their community both near and far. 

Gail is a passionate life-long learner who thrives on opportunities continue her education, bring innovative ideas into her classroom, and spearhead school-wide initiatives. She and colleague, Joanne Copeland, have been fortunate to attend several international brain conferences focused on executive functioning, responsibility-centered discipline (RCD), and character trait development. In fact, their research and learning pertaining to character trait development became the foundation for Valley School’s Valley’s Core Values curriculum.