From the Classroom: Hillary Brooks-Gallardo Shares Her Journey

 

From the Classroom is a Q&A series from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) that spotlights educators who shape, inspire, and empower our students daily. In each feature, teachers share—in their own words—why they chose this profession, the lessons that bring joy to their classrooms, and the moments that remind them why they love what they do. 

Through their stories, we see the heart of public education in action and its lasting impact on students across our city.

Today, we’re featuring Hillary Brooks-Gallardo, a sixth-grade teacher at Harshman Middle School. She has built a reputation for creativity, student engagement, and academic excellence. Her innovative approach to teaching recently earned her a nomination for the IPS Luminary Awards in the “Innovator in Excellence” category. 

Before joining IPS, Hillary served as an English Language Learner teacher with M.S.D. Pike Township School Corporation from 2015 to 2020, where she supported multilingual students in developing strong literacy and communication skills.

What inspired you to become an educator, and how did you get started in the profession?

I was inspired to go into language education by the wonderful German teachers I had in high school. Before it was a buzzword, they worked hard to incorporate pillars of biliteracy and biculturalism into the curriculum. A proud graduate of the Transition to Teaching program at IUPUI, I started my career as an ENL teacher. 

What subject or grade do you currently teach, and what do you love most about it?

I love teaching 6th grade! It is a wonderful age when kids are beginning to discern their own opinions and ideas. Comparing their work from August to May always gives me the boost I need 

to finish the year strong and get motivated for the next school year. 

Describe your teaching style—how do you connect with students and keep them engaged in the classroom?

My students describe my teaching style as “fierce, chill, and focused.” They also say that I “talk with them, put them in groups, and reward them for hard work.” I always try to keep class interesting and “find the fun.”

What’s a favorite lesson, project, or moment from the classroom that really brought out the best in your students?

My students have a hard time choosing, but I really enjoyed their growth during the argumentation/persuasive writing unit. Students prepared for and participated in three debates about hot-topic issues. They focused on organizing their ideas, supporting their views with evidence, and oral expression. Their growth from the first debate to the final debate was amazing! 

How do you encourage and inspire students to see their own potential and future success?

Data-driven goal setting has always been a powerful tool for students. No matter where a student is, everyone can make and achieve ambitious goals. Conferencing and documents like data cards or graphs can help keep students focused and motivated. 

What would you tell someone considering a career in education today?

Education is a very dynamic field. Be prepared to truly live as a “lifelong learner!”