SHERYL MURAKOSHI GALLO
Elysian Heights Elementary Arts Magnet
Los Angeles Unified School District
Magnet Schools of America is proud to recognize Sheryl Murakoshi Gallo, a dedicated educator at Elysian Heights Elementary Arts Magnet in the Los Angeles Unified School District, as the Region II Teacher of the Year. With nearly three decades of teaching experience, Gallo has built a reputation as an inspiring and innovative classroom leader who believes deeply in the power of arts-integrated education to help every child thrive. Her commitment to creativity, curiosity, and community has made her classroom a place where students feel empowered to explore, express themselves, and discover the joy of learning.
Gallo’s classroom is known for its imaginative, interdisciplinary learning experiences that blend literacy, culture, and the arts. One of her signature projects, the “Passport Around the World” unit, invites students to explore different cultures by studying traditions, food, language, and art from countries represented in their classroom community. Students create passports, write and illustrate recipes, and cook dishes from around the world—transforming lessons in reading, writing, and mathematics into hands-on cultural exploration. These experiences encourage students to think globally while developing creativity, empathy, and confidence.
Beyond the classroom, Gallo’s leadership and creativity enrich the entire school community. She founded the school’s Ukulele Club more than a decade ago, giving students a joyful way to build friendships and musical skills, and she regularly mentors new teachers while contributing to schoolwide professional development. Her commitment to arts education has also helped bring resources to the school through grants supporting music, technology, and arts programming. Colleagues and community partners consistently describe her as a teacher who leads with kindness, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
Perhaps the most powerful testament to Gallo’s impact comes from the relationships she builds with students and families. Parents describe her classroom as a place where learning feels like an adventure—filled with creativity, collaboration, and meaningful real-world experiences. From community field trips and classroom celebrations to theatrical productions that showcase student learning, her work creates lasting memories and deep connections. For many students, Gallo is the teacher who sparks a lifelong love of learning.
4005 Wisconsin Avenue NW #5997
Washington, DC 20016
202.824.0672