Michelle Hibbert, Community Liaison, Cora L. Rice Elementary School: “My belief is simple – Students do not care how much you know, until they know that you truly care.”

I’m Michelle Hibbert and home for me will always be the Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago, where I was nurtured into the person I’ve become. My interests lie in gardening, cooking Caribbean infused cuisine, going for long walks in nature and spending time with family.

I attended New York University and earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education. I also attended St. John’s University and earned my Master’s as a Reading Specialist.

Being a learner, I also earned degrees and certificates in Admin 1, Bilingual Education, and Teacher Leadership. Coming from a legacy of educators in my family, it was only natural that I continued in that pathway.

My biggest cheerleader was my grandmother, who, unbeknownst to me, couldn’t read as she had to care for her younger siblings. Our daily reading sessions in which she listened to me and corrected me when something didn’t sound right, was the start of her literacy growth.

My professional goal is to ensure that students and families have access to essentials that eliminate stressors, be it financial, emotional, physical, mental or food insecurity.

My belief is simple – Students do not care how much you know, until they know that you truly care. I care through forming authentic relationships, tapping into their hopes and dreams, by leaning into listening and believing in them.