A new leader at Wheeler Avenue

It’s been nearly a decade since there has been a new principal in District 13, and coincidentally, it’s at the same school.

Dr. Gayle Steele is the new principal of Wheeler Avenue School, the district’s largest of four elementary schools. She replaces Christine Zerillo, who retired after nine years leading the building.

Turnover in the principal ranks has been rare in the district. Steele joins a team of building administrators who have been there at least 10 years. However, she hardly feels like the newcomer. “They have been great, warm, welcoming and supportive,” she said of her colleagues. “Their experience in the district is going to help me so much. I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Steele comes to Valley Stream after two years as an assistant principal in the Half Hollow Hills School District in western Suffolk County. Before that, she taught fifth grade in that district for eight years. She has also taught third and sixth grade in Elmont, and eighth grade in Brooklyn.

“You kind of find your niche when you’re in education,” she said, “and I’m definitely drawn to the elementary level.”

Steele said she likes the enthusiasm of elementary age children, and their willingness to learn. She moved from the classroom to administration so she could have an impact on even more children. Wheeler Avenue, like her old school, has about 600 students.

One of her first goals is to get to know the members of the school community — the teachers, staff, parents and students. She said she wants to foster the positive learning community that already exists at Wheeler Avenue, and wants to inspire children to reach their greatest potential. Steele loves books and believes that kids should be exposed to many genres of literature.

Every child is an individual and learns in their own way and at their own pace, and teachers and administrators need to support that, Steele explained. She wants to help her staff members stay on top of all the changes and latest trends in education. “We’re all going to learn together,” she said.

Steele said she has a collaborative leadership style and doesn’t expect to spend much time in her office when the school year begins. “The only way you really know your building, know your students, know your teachers,” she said, “is to be out in the hallways, in the classrooms.”

Additionally, she described herself as a approachable, a good listener and someone who considers all sides before making a decision. However, she acknowledges that being a principal means that she can’t please everyone. “Sometimes you have to makes those tough decisions,” she said.

The Queens native has a bachelor’s degree from Queens College, two master’s degrees from Touro College and a doctorate in educational administration from Dowling College. She lives in Massapequa with her husband and two daughters, 17 and 16. Steele is a Mets and Jets fan, and spends much time watching her daughters play volleyball.

Education wasn’t her first career. She was a case worker with a foster care agency for seven years before making the transition to teaching. Her passion is working with families, something she still does, just in a different way as a principal.

Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Robb-Fund said she expects great things from Steele. “Her experience as a teacher and an assistant principal, combined with her leadership skills, is the perfect match for the Wheeler community,” Robb-Fund said.

Wheeler Avenue, the district’s oldest building, reminds Steele of where she went to elementary school. She said she loves having an auditorium to use, as well as the quaint feel of the building.

She is looking forward to Sept. 5, the day students return from their summer vacation. “I always get excited for the first day of school,” she said. “You can really set the tone for the year.”