Celebrating ESP Week: Daniele Fish at GFMS

Her name is Mrs. Fish … but her days usually include ducks and horses! “What's unique about my job is that I get to hand out ducks! Yes ducks — it's the reward/point system we use in our classroom,” explains GFMS Teaching Assistant Daniele Fish. “At the end of the day the students get to turn in their ducks for a treat or a small prize.  I feel this helps them stay on track, focused, and gives them something to look forward to at the end of the day.”

Mrs. Fish works with students who learn best with specific supports to make each day as successful as possible. “I help them manage and navigate through parts of their day that can sometimes be challenging for them, academically, socially, and/or emotionally,” she says. And she is always fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment, according to Principal Carrie Mauro. “Daniele consistently demonstrates creative, 'outside-the-box' thinking in her methods and is known for her incredible patience when working with students,” Ms. Mauro notes. “She has an exceptional ability to connect with students.” 

Each day, Mrs. Fish helps students set and achieve their goals. “I share in their successes, but I’m also there for them when things are a little tough or challenging, offering encouragement or strategies on how things can be done differently next time to be more successful,” she says. “I help them build a toolbox of strategies or remind them of strategies that have helped them in the past.”

“But the most rewarding part of my job is when you see a student you worked with after graduation and they say, ‘hey Mrs. Fish, remember when you told me this’ or ‘when you helped me with that…’ or you see students that have moved up to the high school and they make it a point to stop in and see you. They want to let you know how they are doing and to share their accomplishments with you, or to thank you for everything you did for them in middle school, or sometimes apologize for their behavior. But middle school is all about figuring out who they are!” says Mrs. Fish, warmly. “I'm just happy I am able to help them through their journey, guiding them and hoping I am teaching them a thing or two along the way.” 

Daniele enjoys the connections she’s made over the years with co-workers, and appreciates being valued by the teachers she has worked with. “I am often asked for advice or ‘what would you do in this situation’ or ‘hey I know you worked with so and so, what did you find that was successful or what worked?’ It makes me feel valued and that what I do does make a difference.”

Mrs. Fish graduated from South Glens Falls High School and holds a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from Green Mountain College. She has been at GFMS since 2017. “When not at GFMS, I take care of 11 horses on my farm, give horseback riding lessons, and compete with my horses at events such as Gymkhanas, Jackpot barrel races, Cattle sorting, and Extreme obstacle courses.” She also volunteers with her daughter over the summer at Word of Life in their Showdeo for campers and the general public. “Never thought that I would have a Glens Falls graduate of the Class of 2023 as one of my farriers that keep my horses’ shoes competition ready!”

Throughout the week, Nov. 17-21, we are highlighting our staff members whose various careers touch the lives of our students and pave the way for success! Education Support Professionals—our teacher aides, teaching assistants, secretaries, custodians, and many other team members—play a crucial role in every school building, every day. Check back every day this week to read about our wonderful team members who are being honored during ESP Week 2025!