- December 27, 2025
Sara Giunta fell in love with working with children as a volunteer with the Special Olympics when she was in high school and college.
She set out to become a special education teacher, but her father talked her into pursuing a business degree instead. So Giunta switched majors and graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting from Penn State University.
But she was never happy with her job, Giunta said.
"I got married, had kids and stayed home for years," she said. "When my oldest started elementary school and my youngest was in preschool, I became the super volunteer who spent every free moment at school. I was on the PTA board and volunteered in the classrooms and was even trained in a phonics program so that I could go to various classrooms and do phonics groups."
The love of teaching and being at school led her to working in education, as she originally intended. Giunta started working as a paraprofessional in 2013. A year later, she became a teacher, in math and science for sixth and seventh graders.
"While teaching, my strength was building relationships with students and being the teacher they wanted to go to for help," Giunta said. "I decided my passion was working with students and their emotions and supporting them academically, behaviorally and emotionally."
So she went back to school for her master's in psychology and became a school counselor, a position she's held at Pine Trail Elementary since 2021. And now, she's also been named her school's Teacher of the Year.
"The nomination makes me feel honored to represent Pine Trail, as so many of the amazing teachers at Pine Trail deserve this too, and I am lucky to be considered among them," Giunta said. "It also makes me feel gratitude toward the students, my colleagues and community who recognize the impact I have made. I have poured my heart into the students and school, and this nomination says my efforts matter."
Her favorite thing about being a school counselor is being a trusted adult for students — the one they can talk to when they're scared, confused, angry or just need a listening ear.
"I like being able to make a difference early and knowing that my support now can shape a child’s entire educational journey and self-image," Giunta said.
Her advice to students comes from her grandmother.
"My grandmother always used to tell me, 'You are enough, just as you are,' and I have instilled that in my own children and my students," Giunta said. "I also want to share that 'Your feelings are real and they matter.'"
When she's not working at the school, Giunta enjoys reading, walking, cooking, the beach, and spending time with her family, friends and four dogs. She also enjoys paint-by-number activities and scrapbooking.
