Upper School World Language Teacher Carrie Grabowski Retires After Twenty-Four Dedicated Years

Gill St. Bernard’s recognized longtime faculty member, Carrie Grabowski’s P ’08, ’12, retirement announcement with a standing ovation at the Faculty, Staff, and Trustees Year-End Celebration on Friday, May 3, 2024. 

Grabowski’s relationship with GSB began in 2000, as a long-term substitute teacher in the Lower School. With a Bachelor of Arts in French from Princeton University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University, it wasn’t long before Grabowski moved from part-time teaching in the Lower School to full-time teaching—this time instructing Middle and Upper School students in French. Grabowski’s enthusiastic dedication to her students extended well beyond her classroom walls. During her twenty-four GSB tenure, she led Spring Unit trips to France, Peru, Panama, and Montreal (countless times), as well as advising the Model UN program. 

“I’m fortunate that I often have students for three (and sometimes four) years in a row, and I get to see them grow from children into young adults,” Grabowski said. “It’s an amazing opportunity, and each year I look forward to seeing what my students are going to do next—which has made the decision to retire a difficult one.”  

After a two-plus decade career, Grabowski is looking to transition again; however, this next phase will take her away from her beloved GSB. Retirement calls, and with it the promise of spending more time with her children, Peter ’08 and Katie ’12, daughter-in-law Bridget, and granddaughter Sadie. Of course, it will also mean more time spent with her dogs, Minnie and Grace, who are looking forward to longer walks. Husband and Upper School Science Instructor Len Grabowski, who reached the third decade mark with GSB this year, will continue teaching. 

“Both of my children started GSB in Kindergarten, and my husband began working here before I did. So much of our lives have happened here, it’s like home,” Grabowski said.  

Congratulations, Carrie, for your longstanding impact on GSB. We express our sincere appreciation for your many contributions to Gill St. Bernard’s, and we wish you the best!