By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
In Holly Cirillo’s third grade classroom at West End Elementary, mistakes are embraced. “Accidents,” she tells her students, “are proof that you’re learning. And mistakes are proof that you’re trying.”
It’s one life lesson among many that Cirillo hopes her students will remember for years to come. Another lesson she imparts is reflected in a poster in her classroom about the power of “yet.” Students learn on their first day in her classroom that there are things they don’t know “yet,” and that there are assignments they can’t do “yet.”
Students reinforce this for one another. If one student says, “I can’t do this,” another student will finish their sentence with “yet.”
Cirillo’s positive teaching philosophy has earned her the recognition of her peers. She has been named West End Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.
An Early Calling
Now in her 12th year of teaching, Cirillo has spent the last eight at WEE, where she currently teaches third grade. A Moore County native, she has deep roots in the community she serves.
Following graduation from Pinecrest High, she earned her associate degree from Sandhills Community College and completed additional coursework through St. Andrews via Sandhills. “I never left Moore County,” she laughs.
Her path to teaching began early and was encouraged by her parents and grandparents. Her second grade teacher, Laura Lee, made learning exciting, putting extra care into creating a bright and colorful classroom funded by her own pocket. It was sitting on the carpet in Lee’s joyful classroom that Cirillo decided, “I want to be this teacher one day.”
In third grade, she was taught by Carlton Bacon, honorably retired from the U.S. Army and a veteran of the Vietnam War. She learned foundational skills such as cursive and multiplication from him, but he also imparted a sense of service to community and pride in the country.
Cirillo’s elementary school principal, Blanchie Carter, made an equally strong impression. She greeted Cirillo and her classmates by name in the hallways and often asked about their siblings. “I just felt so special and important that she would know my name,” Cirillo said.
This rich learning environment motivated Cirillo to save up her allowance money to buy a chalkboard. Her dad hung it in her bedroom. Her stuffed animals and younger brother became her first pupils.
All in the Numbers
Now Cirillo has become “that teacher,” building a sense of belonging and community among her students. She does this by fostering connections to and among her students, to the material and with the school, community and home.
Mathematics, her favorite subject to teach, provides one such structure for making connections. Through what she calls “math talks,” students work together to solve problems, explain their thinking and even respectfully disagree.
They learn from each other, and she learns from them. One student shared a strategy for remembering the units of clock hands. Since the hour hand is too small to write the word “minute” on it, he remembers the short arm is for hours and the long one for minutes. The insight benefited the whole class. The learning culture is collaborative and supportive.
“It’s not just about getting the right answer,” Cirillo said. “It’s about learning how to listen and how to work together.”
The approach helps students build confidence not only in their academic abilities, but in their voices. Cirillo encourages them to take risks, reminding them that mistakes are part of the learning process and that growth looks different for everyone.
It Adds Up to Joy
One element in particular, a spirit of joy, strengthens all the connections. Cirillo brings playfulness into her classroom, often turning lessons into interactive games. On some days, students might find themselves in a fast-paced review game using classroom technology, only to realize their teacher has joined the game under a secret identity.
“I like to keep them guessing,” she said. One of her pseudonyms is Cheez-it, owing to her preference for the classroom snack.
The teacher lets the classroom learn about her – the sports she plays, the teams she likes and even her “Stitch” impersonation. There is little about her that would surprise her students. “I’m kind of an open book,” she said, though she admits they might be surprised she gets nervous speaking in front of adults.
The classroom warmth and fun creates a relaxed and engaging environment. Cirillo believes it helps to ease the pressure that comes with academics, particularly standardized testing. “We don’t stress about tests,” she tells her students. “We just do our best.”
She hopes students leave her classroom with better knowledge, but also as better people who are kind and community minded. Another important lesson in her classroom is, “integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”
Greater than the Sum
Cirillo is quick to point out that the Teacher of the Year recognition is not something she sees as hers alone.
“I just work with so many amazing teachers here,” she said. “Everyone on that list would have been an incredible choice.”
She was overwhelmed and surprised when the assistant principal and principal surprised her in her classroom with the news. “It means a lot that anyone voted for me,” she said.
WEE Principal Katie Lockamy shared glowing words about Cirillo.
“A visionary leader and dedicated advocate for students, Mrs. Cirillo embodies the spirit of innovation. In her 3rd-grade classroom, she expands young minds by blending academic rigor with a deeply nurturing heart,” said Lockamy.
Cirillo describes the culture of WEE as a family where administrators, staff, families and students support each other. “If you need help with anything, there is always someone there,” she said. “It’s just an incredible community.”
The connections extend beyond the classroom. Former students come by to visit. Some students she once taught are now parents themselves. “Once you’re my student, you’re always my student,” she said.
Lockamy affirms Cirillo’s leadership and impact. “Beyond her doors, she serves as a vital school leader, mentoring peers and developing student leaders with passion.” Lockamy said. “Her commitment to excellence and forward-thinking instruction ensures that every child is empowered to reach their highest potential.”
The Final Equation
Teaching comes with long hours and challenges, which Cirillo approaches with a positive attitude.
“My faith is a big part of that,” she said. “And just looking for the good in every day – there is always something amazing.”
Those good things she is able to list easily: celebrating with students when they ace a new concept; a former student dropping by to say “hello;” finding a handwritten note left on her desk that reads, “Best teacher ever… at least in my heart.”
These good things keep her going. “They remind you why you’re here.”
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
