Mr. Duane Gill

Hello To My Officer Tiger Families

My name is Mr. Gill and it is a pleasure to serve as the (Social Emotional Learning) SEL School Social Worker at Officer Elementary School. I grew up in St. Louis and attended Webster Groves School District throughout my elementary and high school years.

I have been a Social Worker for over 20 years and 10 plus years in education. I started my Social Worker career in health care where I was an HIV/AIDS case manager for St. Louis Effort for AIDS and also a case manager for Washington University School of Medicine working in the H.E.Y program (Health and Education for Youth). From there I transitioned to mental health and worked for St. Patrick's Center as a Financial Stability Coordinator. After leaving St. Patrick's Center and Places for People I began my work in education. I worked for St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) approximately 8 years. This is where I met our Counselor Dr. Timberson and we worked at several schools together while at SLPS. I served as the Social Worker at Roosevelt High School, then went on to Sigel, Oak Hill and Meramec Elementary. Once I left St. Louis Public School, I took my talents to Confluence Preparatory Academy. I was the High School Social Worker at (CPA) for six years before leaving and coming to East St. Louis District #189.

I earned my Bachelors and Masters degree from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. It is the best HBCU, Historically Black College and Universities in the USA. It is the home of the FAMU Rattlers and Florida State Seminoles. I completed a joint internship program from both universities. I am a 20 year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. The Que Dogs, who wear the colors royal purple and old gold. The fraternities motto is, "Friendship Is Essential To The Soul," and our cardinal principles are MANHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, PERSEVERANCE and UPLIFT. It takes blood, sweat and tears to becoming an Omega Man and we serve our communities for a lifetime.

During school I teach Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). I use a curriculum called Ripple Effects that provides a wide range of lessons and topics from bullying, physical abuse and ADHD and much much more.

I build relationships with our students and families so they feel comfortable talking to me about any issues or feelings they may have. I uphold our student's and families confidentiality like my own and share information on a need to know basis. What's said in my office stays in my office unless it is something that may be harmful to the student and others. Dr. Timberson and I work as a team to provide a safe place to talk about anything for the parents and students.

I look forward to meeting all of you at some point and making this a great year and experience for everyone.