Early Childhood and Primary Science Teacher Ellie Gally’s enthusiasm for animals ignites a profound curiosity in Old Trail School’s youngest students and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world. Did you know that before Ellie became a teacher at Old Trail, she worked in wildlife conservation? Her focus was ornithology, herpetology and marine biology!
Ellie said that Old Trail's core values—Respect, Responsibility, Goodness, and Service—initially attracted her to the school. These values resonate deeply with Ellie, who embodies them in her dedication to her students.
Grade 1 teacher Martha Loar attests to Ellie's character, stating, “Ellie is the most helpful person I know. She makes herself available to help the OTS community in any capacity asked of her.”
Ellie's field expertise is evident in her hands-on, real-world activities that instill in her students a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them.
“Teaching at Old Trail School in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park allows me to give students so many unique opportunities,” Ellie said. “For example, I can teach students about amphibians while they observe frogs and salamanders in their natural habitat, just a few steps outside the door!”
Outside of school, Ellie volunteers for wildlife conservation initiatives, spoils her pet rabbit named Wicket and enjoys gardening. Recently, Ellie was featured in an article from the Philadelphia Zoo about an organization called TurtleRoom, which is working to save an endangered turtle species!