There are so many amazing

There are so many amazing things that I could say about Ms. Sciolis. She is an amazing teacher with a heart of gold. She is always supportive and does an amazing job at being a motivational teacher at our school. She is more than just an English teacher. We can come to her with any problem we have, even if it is not about her English class, and she would always be ready to listen and help. She really is an amazing teacher and I feel so lucky that she is my teacher. She always encourages me and that makes such a big difference in class. Thank you Ms. Sciolis!

My daughter was lucky to

My daughter was lucky to have Cathy as a teacher at GAA a few years ago. It was a new school and Cathy started there in the school’s second year of operation. She quickly became a favorite among the students and I wish my daughter could’ve had her for more than one year! Her classroom has a special feel and I remember thinking how much I’d love to be one of her students in that room too! Each and every student in the upper school knew she was approachable and would listen and respect their viewpoints.
Our third or fourth year at the school Cathy was the advisor to the senior class – the first one to graduate from GAA. She worked really hard to ensure the students were given as many opportunities as possible to experience an “American senior year” while also making room for all of the students own cultural backgrounds. For example, she helped them to order senior letter jackets which took considerable effort and organization as it wasn’t the usually done thing at the time where we lived.
My family has kept in touch with Cathy even after we changed schools and now that we’ve moved away. She is someone we go to for advice and to share our life stories with.

It’s so vivid in my

It’s so vivid in my memory having you as teacher. As my writing teacher, it was you who enhanced my vocabulary and gave me the tools to be a better writer. You taught in an area where people don’t often show effort to help, yet you were always there to help…. I didn’t take you as a nice teacher at first lol only because you didn’t let me slack and waste my potential. You took me to my first red carpet event, only a teacher who cares would go to the lengths to show that appreciation and I’ll always remember & appreciate you for that. I could go on forever about you, you are still the greatest teacher to me. 💜

Cathy is more than just

Cathy is more than just a wise educator — she cares and gets to know her students as people. Having been in education for over twenty years, I know how rare this is. Cathy matches pedagogical expertise with genuine empathy. My daughter graduated from GEMS and earned a scholarship in part because of Cathy. My daughter is grateful. So am I.

I spent two years working

I spent two years working with Cathy in Abu Dhabi. In the beginning, we were just colleagues, but this relationship evolved into a blessed friendship which I will carry with me wherever I go. She is not only a mentor for curriculum design, lesson planning, staff management, and professionalism, but Cathy is someone who is a natural life coach. She is always there for you when you need her. One of her greatest qualities is that she is a listener, and she always helps you see situations through a different perspective. I miss going to coffee shops with you and engaging into conversations on several topics. I hope we can do that soon.

Mrs. Sciolis was my 9th

Mrs. Sciolis was my 9th grade English and Intensive Reading teacher at North Miami Senior High School back in 2002. Her mechanisms for teaching English were phenomenal. She made English relatable to everyday life.  She’s a nonconventional teacher and a trailblazer. She is a beast at what she does. I’m 31 years old now and I still talk about how awesome she is.

Ms. Sciolis is a kind

Ms. Sciolis is a kind spirited and unique teacher. She has excellent interpersonal skills and is excellent in communicating with students as if she was a student herself . Along with her inspirational demeanor, this makes her easily one of the most memorable and loved teachers to any student that has had the pleasure to be taught by her. Thank you Ms. Sciolis for always being and amazing teacher and putting in extra effort to talk to and help your students, both in and out of the class room. You are appreciated and wish you luck wherever you are.

Ms. Sciolis is by far

Ms. Sciolis is by far the kindest and most inspiring teacher I’ve ever had. She is very open-minded and understanding because she has worked in many different environments. She creates her very own comforting and warm environment in the classroom.

Ms. Sciolis gave me a

Ms. Sciolis gave me a love of actively reading and writing as well as support during my High School career.

She is one of the most memorable teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of being educated by.

I had the privilege of

I had the privilege of working closely alongside Cathy for 4 years. Her compassion and care for students as individuals and her desire to develop the whole child is essential as we navigate our way through the sea of data and spreadsheets that education seems to be becoming. They are not just a number to her. She goes above and beyond to create a warm, comforting, safe environment for learning. Co-teaching together was a pleasure and opportunity for growth as we were able to moderate assessments together and regularly discuss ideas for teaching strategies and behaviour management in a meaningful way. Much of what I learned from her during that time will forever be incorporated into my own practice. It seems she has a resource for everything and she is ready to pull out as soon as you say the word! We even started to call her “Target” as she seems to have any random supply you could want right at her fingertips in some kind of color coded cabinet or drawer. As a leader, she was always transparent and as helpful as possible. Her ability to reflect on her own practice and adapt accordingly is a necessity in this ever-changing field. I would teach with her again in a heartbeat if given the opportunity.

I was fortunate to work

I was fortunate to work with Catherine for two years at an American school overseas. From the beginning I saw Catherine’s leadership, dedication and professionalism every day. She approaches teaching with passion and has a commitment to students that is rarely seen. Her knowledge of pedagogy and instructional practices is unparalleled and she willingly shares this knowledge with new and experienced staff members. Many teachers would seek advice and support from Catherine with challenging students or when trying new activities in class. Her students speak of her with great admiration and she creates and environment that supports student learning, and equally as important, student well-being. In my 20+ year career as an educator, there are few teachers that I would hold in greater esteem than Catherine and I would love to have the opportunity to work with her again.

I had the pleasure of

I had the pleasure of working with Catherine during my time at GEMS American Academy in Abu Dhabi. She and I worked closely and from my time with her, I was able to ascertain her high level of expertise and depth of knowledge. However, what struck me the most was her love for her craft, her students, and her co-workers. That one year we were colleagues were filled with laughter and shenanigans. I would love to work with her again and if you have the chance to, do it. You won’t be disappointed.

Catherine is one of the

Catherine is one of the most professional and positive educators I have worked with. As an HOD of the English Department she held the students and teachers to high standards. If I ever needed advice I knew to go to Cathy as I knew I would get the best and most rational advice. The alumni always came back to see Cathy and told me how great a teacher she was and the fact that university was easy because she equipped them with the tools they needed to be successful. She took the time to know her students who he’d helped her tailor her instruction. She’s some one I would love to work with again . The graduating class of 2018-2019 asked her to speak on their behalf as they felt she knew them well.

I was fortunate enough to

I was fortunate enough to work at GAA with Cathy for four years. As a school counselor working in a school with 2 HS counselors and over 430 students, you can only hope that other teachers have students’ best interests at heart. I couldn’t have been more lucky as Cathy was a English teacher, which meant that she taught almost everyone at some point. It’s with teachers like Cathy, that my job is possible. She is kind, patient, and exudes warmth. Her classroom is a place of sanctuary and calm for so many students, and her voice is one that calms and comforts. Her compassion and relationships with students are unrivaled, and I’m so honored to have worked with such an amazing educator.

Ms Sciolis wasn’t just an

Ms Sciolis wasn’t just an English teacher, she really cared about us and our lives. As a 9th grader I remember her playing the song “I Hope You Dance” and to this day, when I get the chance, I dance. Thank you for further instilling  hope, love and passion in me!

Where do i begin ,

Where do I begin?  Ms.Sciolis just has such a bubbly , mom away from home personality. No matter what, you’ll gravitate to her .  Speaking as her former student, she treated us all as her kids . Not by babying us,  but always telling us what’s right and showing us our wrongs without judging.  She always had an open door policy and she never made you feel like you’re less than . Full of positivity, she gave her all in everything and till this day, I still thank her for all she has done . She never gave up on me no matter what and always saw my full potential . We need more teachers like her in this world .

I can never thank Cathy

I can never thank Cathy enough for teaching me everything I needed for Middle Schoolers. Devising a curriculum, preparing materials, patience and compassion shown in class.. Everything I observed during our two years teaching at GAA has been amazing. She is not only a great mentor, but also a great colleague who listens not to reply but to solve any issue one may have and create alternatives.. I am forever thankful for everything we have shared in Abu Dhabi ♥️ Thanks Ms Sciolis

I am so grateful for

I am so grateful for this woman. It is because of Ms.Sciolis that I’ve fallen in love with reading. I’m currently a reading teacher and strive daily to implement the some of the same strategies that she used when she was my 10th Grade Reading Teacher. She fed me mentally and physically. For that, I am thankful. I still remember the brownies she made us on random Fridays. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
Thank you Ms. Sciolis

Mrs. Sciolis is the most

Mrs. Sciolis is the most warm and kind person I have ever met. She is always smiling and is more like a mom than a teacher. She knows how to relate to her students, and I have never met anyone who has a problem with her. She is so caring and gentle in her approach to teaching that it made me excited to go to her class every day. She lives to help others, and never fails to put a smile on someone’s face.

Mrs. Scolis was the best

Mrs. Scolis was the best teacher I could ever ask for in high school, she was my source of inspiration and motivation. She had the best classroom environment and was the mother of every student in her class, as she always made each student feel as comfortable as she could. She used the best teaching skills in the classroom, and always took on extra responsibilities to make the class of 2015 experience’s at GEMS delightful. Mrs. Scolis taught me skills that I still use in college, 4 years later. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and most importantly a once in a lifetime kind of teacher. Thank you for all that you’ve done for our class at GEMS.

After all these years away

After all these years away from Ms. Sciolis class of 2003, I still think back to memories in her classroom quite often. In fact, they have shaped me into being the empathetic teacher I am today who strives to teach and reach the whole child. I’ve heard it said that education is a “work of heart,” and I couldn’t agree more as it pertains to Ms. Sciolis. She helped me to not only excel academically but to think deeply about the world around me and the person I would like to become in it. I didn’t see myself becoming a teacher upon gradating from high school, but deciding to do so is in large part because of her influence on me. I longed to have a similar positive impact on young people as well, perhaps when they need it most. I still cherish the card she wrote me out of the blue so long ago. She made me feel valued and I never felt like a mere number but a member of her classroom family. The world needs more teachers like Ms. Sciolis and so I intend to be one. She continues to inspire me to this day. My gratitude is evident in how I endeavor to teach AND reach my own students with love.

Mrs. Sciolis is the best

Mrs. Sciolis is the best English teacher I have ever had. I had the privilege of being her student in 8th and 9th grade at Gems American Academy. I always looked forward to going to her class with the nice smell of her scented candles, tea, and her warm welcome.
Mrs. Sciolis has a unique teaching style where she challenges her students to debate ideas and be creative while maintaining a relaxing and supportive environment. I always felt comfortable asking questions in class and going for support after class. Not only was she my favorite English teacher, but also someone I can now call a friend.
Thank you, Mrs. Sciolis.

2003, 9th grade. Scared, finally

2003, 9th grade. Scared, finally in high school. I walk into my English class and met Ms. Sciolis; I never wanted to leave! She was my outlet for all my teenage blues. I was a bit of a rebel and she kept me on the straight and narrow. She became a second mother to me, my mother still asks about her. She thinks she only taught me English and Reading, but it is way more than that! I am forever grateful for meeting such a beautiful soul. It saddens me that she’s not in Florida anymore. I love you!! Your new students are the luckiest!

What a hero! I never

What a hero! I never met a teacher that offers support to students (and parents) the way Ms Sciolis does on a daily basis. I’m so grateful for her teaching my daughter academics and precious life lessons.

Cathy, thank you for pushing my daughter to reach her full potential. Thank you for being so dedicated to your students. Thank you for being so patient. Thank you for loving what you do. Your impact on your students is priceless!!!

I first met Catherine Sciolis

I first met Catherine Sciolis at the Zelda Glazer Writing Institute. This is a summer program where only a select few from throughout the county are invited.This was an incredible experience, mainly because of what Catherine contributed to the class. Ms Sciolis also shared all the activities, campaigns and programs she started at North Miami Senior High. Catherine was the kind of teacher that inspires everyone and movies are made about. After spending an intensive two weeks with her, I told her I too wanted to make a difference in students lives and wanted to work alongside her. For the next six years, I had the privilege of working with Catherine Sciolis at North Miami Senior High School. Words can not express or even explain how she inspired students, parents, faculty, staff, and administration. I remember our principal referring to her as his “flower that is always blooming. ” As a new teacher I was often in Ms Sciolis classroom observing. I learned how to create hands on lessons which were student centered and engaging which resulted in retention of material and above average test scores in class and on state standardized test. Catherine was also my mentor for the National Boards. She always gave constructive criticism, offered support and inspiration and helped me learn to reflect on my teaching experiences and make changes as needed. I am now in my 20th year of teaching and have had many achievements and accolades. All these years later I still refer to Catherine Sciolis as the one to help set the foundation for the teacher I am today.

Cathy was the English teacher

Cathy was the English teacher for my son at GAA a number of years ago and I also worked together with her while I was a member of the Parents Association at the school. We were so impressed by her professionalism and at the same time she was understanding, encouraging and helpful in so many ways. I could not ask for a better teacher and mentor. So appreciate what she did at the school.

I do not know where

I do not know where to start, I had the pleasure of being Ms. Sciolis’ student throughout all of my high school life. She is part of a few teachers that were able to push me beyond my boundaries. Ms. Sciolis is the most caring person I have met. She worries and cares about all of her students and wants all of them to succeed. She was not only my teacher but a friend as well, a person I was able to go to whenever I had doubted myself or just needed someone to talk to.
Thank you Ms. Sciolis for leaving a positive influence in me that I will carry on forever.

Can never ever thank her

Can never ever thank her enough !
No words can do justice to what Catherine has done for my son,
She has been not only a teacher but also a second parent, a guidance,
and a mentor.
Our son started having Catherine in grade 11 and now again in grade 12, at this critical stressful stage in his life,
She gave him confidence and made him believe in himself, she helped him in every possible way she can to be a successful young man.
We are so grateful she was our child’s teacher, we are grateful for her positivity, and encouragement, for her kindness, support and dedication as she made him a better, more thoughtful student.
Catherine is once in a lifetime teacher.

I had the pleasure of

I had the pleasure of Ms. Sciolis teaching all three of my children. She is an excellent teacher not only in the sense of teaching the materials but Ms. Sciolis genuinely cares for each and every student. I had felt this through my children when they would come home and show me a test they did in class or a warm-up. She would help my children in everything, not just with school problems. Ms. Sciolis, thank you for building a relationship that exceeds your English class with all of my children.
Thank you for being their teacher, mentor, and role model.

Cathy taught Honors English to

Cathy taught Honors English to both my son and my daughter while in high school at GAA in Abu Dhabi. Cathy held my children to a high standard of conduct and scholarship, and I believe that it was her guidance that enabled both of my children to earn high marks in English at Texas Tech, Texas A & M and Stephen F. Austin. In addition, I believe that she encouraged my children to speak to her about any English assignment and to debate any point. My children have become friends with their English professors in university, because Cathy taught them to be a professional teaching friend to her first! Cathy is, first and foremost, an outstanding English teacher!

A teacher who was always

A teacher who was always engaging and left one of the biggest impressions for me during my time studying English. It was a true pleasure to be a student of hers and I always felt supported when I was in her class. Top teacher and all around great person!