Getting to Know Mitzie Perez P ‘25, Lower School Faculty
Mitzie Perez P ’25 has dedicated 17 years to teaching at Gulliver Prep, and her time here has been marked by deep connections to both her students and the broader community. As a teacher and a parent of a graduating senior, she’s witnessed firsthand the way Gulliver fosters a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and personally. Her years at Gulliver have not only been professionally fulfilling but also deeply meaningful on a personal level, as she has built lasting friendships with both students and fellow educators. Mitzie describes Gulliver as “home,” a sentiment shared by her family as they prepare for the next chapter with a daughter about to graduate.
As a fourth grade teacher, Mitzie brings an infectious enthusiasm to the classroom, inspiring her students to engage with their learning in meaningful ways. Her passion for teaching is evident in the way she integrates Gulliver’s core values—Explore, Empower, Nurture, and Pioneer—into her lessons. Mitzie believes in creating hands-on, real-world learning experiences that spark curiosity and build critical thinking skills. Her commitment to nurturing her students’ growth and helping them navigate their educational journey is clear. In this Q&A, Mitzie shares more about her rewarding experience at Gulliver and offers thoughtful advice to students and parents alike.
How long have you been at Gulliver, and what has made your time here particularly meaningful, both as a teacher and as a parent of a graduating senior?This is my seventeenth year at Gulliver, and both as a teacher and a parent, I feel that Gulliver has truly been a home for me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing countless students and building friendships with parents and teachers that feel like family. This community has been an incredible part of my family’s life, and we are grateful to be a part of it.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Gulliver, and is there something about you that might surprise your students or colleagues?
One of my favorite memories at Gulliver has to be the Halloween dances we did with students and teachers for the parents. We would practice for weeks, and in the end, our somewhat choreographed routines came together beautifully, with plenty of fun and silliness along the way. Those moments of laughter and teamwork will always be special to me.
Something about me that might surprise my students and colleagues is that I love interior design.
As a fourth grade teacher, how do you keep your students excited and engaged in learning, especially as they take on new academic challenges?
As a fourth grade teacher, I love inspiring my students to stay excited and engaged in learning by helping them connect what they learn to the real world. With all the academic challenges they encounter, it’s reassuring for them to know that we, as teachers, are here to guide and support them as they explore and prepare for the future.
What is your favorite part about teaching 4th grade, and what drives your passion for this stage of a student’s education?
My favorite part of teaching 4th grade—and the reason I’ve enjoyed it so much over the past 17 years at Gulliver—is a combination of two things: my passion for working with this age group and the incredible team I’m fortunate to work alongside.
Having a child about to graduate, what advice would you give to your 4th graders about the importance of their education and preparing for the future?
As I prepare to watch my second daughter graduate from Gulliver, I find myself reflecting on the unique experiences both of my daughters have had here. I remind my students daily of the importance of enjoying the journey while always being respectful and kind to others along the way.
How do you incorporate Gulliver’s core values (Explore, Empower, Nurture, Pioneer) into your classroom and lessons to help your students grow academically and personally?
Gulliver’s core values have always been at the helm of my teaching as I believe they are important values in life as well as in the classroom. In my classroom, I integrate Gulliver’s core values—Explore, Empower, Nurture, and Pioneer—to foster both academic and personal growth in my students. I encourage exploration by creating hands-on, real-world learning experiences that inspire curiosity and critical thinking. To empower my students, I emphasize the importance of self-expression and encourage them to take ownership of their learning, building confidence and independence. Nurturing a supportive environment is key; I ensure each student feels valued, respected, and supported, so they feel safe to take risks and grow. Lastly, I promote a pioneering spirit by challenging them to think creatively, solve problems, and embrace new ideas, preparing them to be innovative thinkers and compassionate leaders in the future.
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As a fourth grade teacher and parent of a graduating senior, Mitzie has experienced the power of a Gulliver education and the vibrance of our amazing community in many ways. Join us in celebrating our faculty and the profound impact their teaching has on our students and families each and every day —click here to donate.
