Former high school science teacher Gayle Wright also served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (Photo credit: Pennsylvania House of Representatives)
Many fine educators have also made their mark as successful politicians. One of these is Gayle Wright, a high school science teacher who was also elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Gayle was born in Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan, on February 3, 1951. As a young woman, she attended Port Huron Northern High School, where she graduated in 1969.
Following her high school graduation, Gayle attended the University of Akron in Akron Ohio. As a STEM-focused institution, the school curriculum focuses on industries such as polymers, advanced materials, and engineering. There Gayle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Geology in 1973. She also completed graduate courses in Correctional Counseling at Gannon University, a private Catholic university located in Erie, Pennsylvania. .
After earning her college degree, Gayle taught science at both the high school and middle school levels in Erie, Pennsylvania. She was employed in both the Millcreek and the Erie School Districts.
Gayle inaugurated her career in politics when she was elected to serve on the Erie City Council. She served a total of three terms in that capacity. In 2001, the former teacher was elected on the Democratic ticket in a special election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 2nd District. That district covers Erie County. She served there until Nov. 30, 2002. There she served on the Committees for Environmental Resources and Energy; Local Government; and State Government. In addition to her responsibilities in the House, Gayle has been involved in many civic groups. She has been a member of the Democratic Women’s Council and served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2004 and 2008. In addition, she has served on the Children’s Museum Board and the Cable T.V. Access Board.
To learn more about Gayle’s work as a legislator, see this link to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
