Getting to Know Andrea Leal, Faculty
For the past nine years, Andrea Leal has been a cornerstone of the Middle School experience at Gulliver Prep. During her time here, she has taught every grade and level within the Middle School, an experience she describes as especially fulfilling. No matter the grade, she believes one thing remains constant: kids are kids, and meaningful connections make all the difference.
Some of Andrea’s most memorable moments extend beyond the classroom walls. From impactful Washington, D.C. trips to participating in Fighting Against Hunger with the Montgomery Crew through the EDGE Middle School program, these shared experiences have helped strengthen student bonds and bring learning to life.
As a Middle School Social Science teacher, Andrea keeps students engaged by grounding history and culture in the present day. She consistently connects lessons to real-world issues that affect students directly. One recent example included students writing letters as a form of civic action to representatives and industry leaders, advocating for policy changes related to traffic, the environment, and other community concerns.
What Andrea values most about teaching social sciences is the opportunity to inspire students to become informed, active, and empathetic citizens. If she can reach even one student and encourage them to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and strive to help others as they grow older, she considers her work a success.
Her advice to Middle School students preparing for high school is simple but meaningful: have fun, do not stress too much about the future, and live in the moment. She encourages students to be fully present in whatever they are doing, whether that is diving deep into classroom discussions or committing wholeheartedly to clubs and sports.
Andrea brings Gulliver’s core values to life through an inquiry-based approach that encourages students to explore diverse cultures and histories. She amplifies student voice by offering choice in assignments and fostering a strong classroom community. Throughout the year, her students share photos and stories from outside of school through Google Classroom, helping classmates learn more about one another and strengthening connections. A passionate traveler herself, Andrea loves observing how different communities function and celebrating both the similarities and differences found in language, food, and environments around the world.
Through her dedication, curiosity, and commitment to community, Andrea Leal continues to make a lasting impact on her students and the Middle School experience at Gulliver Prep.
Support Our Faculty:
Ms. Leal empowers students to think critically, engage with the world around them, and become informed, empathetic citizens. Through real-world connections and civic action, she helps students see how their voices and ideas can make a difference. By supporting The Gulliver Fund, you help educators like her continue creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for what comes next—click here to donate.
