Barbara Gatski

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• What classes have you taught? And what roles do you play on campus?

  I have taught every level of Spanish since I arrived. I was appointed as the Chair of the World Language Department upon arrival in the fall of 2000. I have served as the International Advisor, advisor to Outreach, coach of recreational sports, advisor to the riding program, member of the Service Learning Curriculum Committee, and Director of Parent Programs. I am also affectionately known as one of the Commencement Queens along with my partner in crime, Betty Siegenthaler.

• What college(s) did you attend?

  I attended Lock Haven State Teacher’s College, joined the UCLA Junior Year Abroad Program in Valencia, Spain, and then received my MA from Middlebury College.

• What brought you to Millbrook?

  I came to Millbrook via my husband’s connection to Paul Stellato and the summer school at Hotchkiss. The year I arrived the entire language department had departed. I was given the opportunity to build a program and was given a lot of support to do so.

• What makes Millbrook unique for you?

  Millbrook is very special and unique to me because of its outstanding leadership and because of the support you receive for professional growth. The community is very special and it is very pleasant to work here. I love teaching and inspiring the minds of our young students. I also enjoy working in development and working in academics. A great blend—especially when you have talented teachers to train and inspiring colleagues in the Advancement Office.

• Do you have a favorite event to coordinate?

  Commencement is my favorite event to coordinate because of the Commencement Committee made up of Betty and Barbara. With the help of the entire community, this is one of the most beautiful events we have on our campus. A very proud moment for all.

• What is your favorite lesson to teach?

  I love to teach Spanish poetry and literature. The AP program allows some dabbling into the literature world, and I love to see my advanced students turned on by academic discussions based on their readings. Really, almost every day is a ‘favorite lesson’ when you are working with motivated students.

• What is your favorite quotation and why?

  “It depends on whose ox is being gored.” I had a former administrator and friend who loved to say that. My husband, Sr. McMullan, doesn’t like when I use this expression.

• What would your students be most surprised to learn about you?

  I won the Jingle Bell Jaunt—5 K—for my age group (approximately 10 years ago). I also have a funny European train story that they should ask me about sometime, but only ‘en Español’.