Tell us about yourself:
My name is Dave Gaglione. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s of science in education and went to Cleveland State and studied to be a middle school math and science teacher. I have been at Luther Memorial Study for 10 years now. This is my first year as vice-principal. I am also the athletic director and coach basketball, volleyball and track.

In my free time I enjoy cooking, golfing and taking long hikes through the MetroParks. I am a giant Star Wars nerd and I die hard Cleveland sports fan, as well as an Ohio State Sports Super Fan; especially football and basketball. Go Bucks!

How do you support students in northeast Ohio?
I believe I best support them by building strong relationships with them through engaging lessons and activities, coaching and holding them accountable for their actions. I support them by building lifelong memories through the things we do here at LMS and by using tons of pictures to memorialize those memories.

If you have one goal for students or teachers in northeast Ohio, what would it be and why?
My goal would be to make all students and their families see the value of education and the value of spending time together learning, that it takes a village and we will only help these kids reach their fullest potentials if we work together as a team. The why is easy, these kids are our future and I want them to know they can do anything they set their minds on (and help open their minds to options they thought were impossible or didn’t even know existed).

What would you consider yourself an expert in and how did you gain your expertise?
I feel like I am an expert in building relationships with students and their families. I built these relationships being around as long as I have (and by going to all the events), by paying attention to all the subtle details about them, and by simple loving them unconditionally.

What is a school, teacher, group, organization or learning community in northeast Ohio that holds a special place in your heart?
Luther Memorial School. I have never belonged or fit in better than I do here at LMS. The people here have allowed me to be myself, which has allowed me to thrive. The people here have pushed me to be the best version of myself by increasing my faith, my self-confidence and by just loving me for who I am. They don’t judge me for my many mistakes but instead help me grow because of them. This in turn helps me love them for who they are and drives me to go above and beyond and accomplish more than I ever imagined.

Why are you excited to be part of the #weteachCLE community?
It is just a great way to network and collaborate with all the great educators in NEO.

What is your favorite space in northeast Ohio?
Barrio Tacos. They have the world’s most delicious tacos and margs. They also have the best atmosphere. I dare you to go there and not eat three baskets and chips and salsa.

Share with us your favorite way to combat the Sunday Scaries.
When the weather allows, it’s definitely going golfing. When the weather doesn’t allow it, I guess denial that it’s actually Sunday is my best strategy to combat it. .