Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Gump

*2nd Grade Teacher*

By: BHS Staff Profiles 

February 2, 2024

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Danelle Gump. This is currently her fourth year teaching second grade but year 18 all together here in the Brooklyn City School District. Mrs. Gump previously worked outside of Brooklyn, where she taught at The Goddard School. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family; she has a 13-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. She also loves exercising, reading, shopping, and baking. A fun fact about her is that she originally wanted to be a dental hygienist. On the other hand, she is very happy that she did not choose that route because she cannot stand loose teeth. 

Q: How would your past students, colleagues, and administrators describe you? 

A: “I think they would describe me as hardworking, dedicated, and flexible.”

Q: What has been your greatest challenge in education?

A: “My greatest challenge in teaching was definitely during COVID. In the 2019-2020 school year, it was my first year in second grade. There were a lot of changes all at once. Learning how to use technology, Zoom, and students being quarantined, I wanted to try and work on a personal work level as best as I could.”

Q: What techniques do you use to keep students actively involved and motivated during a lesson?

A: “With the second graders, they are obviously much younger; there is a lot of movement and hands-on activities to keep them engaged while continuing to learn.”

Q: How would you describe your teaching style?

A: “I adjust to what the students need. I always look for fun ways to incorporate technology into their learning. I just try to keep up with not just how I learned things but how students and kids these days try to learn.”

Q: Would you rather have the power of invisibility or the power to teleport back in time?

A: “I would like to look back in time. I think there is a lot that humans, in general, could learn from the past.”

Q: What is your dream vacation? 

A: “I love the beach! We usually go down to the Charleston, South Carolina area. That’s my very realistic dream. I would also like to go overseas to Italy and Ireland.”

Q: If you could only wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: “I think I would probably choose yellow because I have a lot of yellow clothing, and that is what I feel fits me.” 

Q: Dunkin’ or Starbucks? 

A: “Starbucks because Dunkin always tastes a little crisp to me. The other reason why I like Starbucks is because I like their Chai Tea and not the coffee.” 

Mrs. Gump, thank you for letting us interview you. It was such a pleasure getting to know more about you, your background, and your interests. We wish you the best of luck throughout the rest of the school year. Soon, you can head back down to South Carolina for a nice, warm, Summer getaway.