Our teachers are at the very heart of all of our schools. They bring kindness, energy, enthusiasm, patience, love, and humor to their work with every student at The Gardner School. Their kind words, warm hugs, and encouragement help our preschoolers grow to love learning one day at a time.
Just one of the many ways we honor our teachers is by celebrating a Teacher of the Year at each TGS location. These talented teachers are selected by their peers at each school. We recognize the hard work of these exceptional early childhood educators.
We are so proud of these remarkable team members. Congratulations to all the 2023 Teachers of the Year!
The Gardner School of Bucktown
Ernalyn O.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS August 2022
“My best tip is to encourage safe explorations and play. Be warm, loving, and responsive. Stay involved, talk, read, and even sing to your child.”
The Gardner School of Lincoln Park
Pam O.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS November 2021
“My favorite moments at TGS are spending time with the babies. They make every day so enjoyable.”
The Gardner School of Lincolnshire
Vanessa V.
Lead Teacher, Toddler/Discovery
Started at TGS May 2023
“My biggest tip to parents would be to teach their child through play. They soak in the most when their brain is having hands-on experience. If they are having a hard time differentiating their shapes, then make an activity where they might have to hop to the correct shape.”
The Gardner School of Naperville
Shenika R.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS October 2018
“Being at school helps children develop social and emotional skills. Children build confidence on their own by buttoning and zipping their clothes, practicing proper hand washing, getting dressed and putting on shoes independently, serving their own food, and cleaning up spills. Self–confidence gives children extra energy to learn new things and make new friends.”
The Gardner School of Naperville North
Maura G.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS August 2009
“There are so many sweet moments that happen in our classroom, but my favorite is always the hugs and smiles we get from the children. Knowing that they are happy while in my care is very important to me.”
The Gardner School of Naperville South
Elizabeth T.
Lead Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS June 2018
“Two-year-olds have big feelings and emotions! Validate their feelings and talk to them about their emotions. The more words and understanding they have, the easier it will be to talk them through those hard, upsetting moments that can often come with big feelings. Be sure to model empathy and kindness, too!”
The Gardner School of Glenview-Northbrook
Agnes J.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS April 2019
“Working at school and home is the key to success. I love giving parents tips and ideas on extending the learning at home.”
The Gardner School of Oak Brook
Jamia R.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS March 2022
“Make sure you are practicing daily routines at home and practicing sight words at home. It makes a huge difference!”
The Gardner School of Chicago-Ravenswood
Chiane B.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS June 2021
“My favorite thing about working at The Gardner School is greeting all my students in the morning!”
The Gardner School of River North
Cicely F.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS January 2022
“My best tip for parents is to remember that even babies are not too young to practice growth and development activities each day. They can expand their learning with sensory and fine motor activities at home, and they will surprise you!
The Gardner School of Schaumburg
Kathy R.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS December 2022
“My sweetest student moment in 2023 was when one of my students surprised me by spelling my name out in Play-Doh!”
The Gardner School of Warrenville
Lindsay B.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS August 2016
“I always tell parents to be patient and give students enough time to be independent.”
The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop
Rita S.
Assistant Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS August 2022
“Working together as a team will accomplish so much more than working solo. From potty training to academic goals, teamwork will always work best!”
The Gardner School at Yorktown Center
Danielle D.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS October 2022
“Each month I encourage family involvement by sending fun projects that students can work on at home and bring back to share with the class.”
The Gardner School of Louisville
Natalie S.
Floater
Started at TGS September 2012
“My best tip to parents about expanding what the children are learning at school would be just having conversations about school every day, ask them about their day, and review what they have done at home.”
The Gardner School of Eagan
Cedric M.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS September 2022
“The environment and everyone is really welcoming and just great. It’s a great place for kids to learn and grow.”
The Gardner School of Edina
Samantha W.
Lead Teacher, Fours/Enchantment
Started at TGS May 2022
“My sweetest student moment of 2023 was when we were doing our unit on Eric Carle. One of my students was really inspired and started making his own books, just like Eric Carle. He was very proud to be an illustrator.”
The Gardner School of Minneapolis
Kambia B.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS January 2023
“Allow your child to share what they learn at school. They will always continue adding and developing skills, and sometimes it’s important to build their confidence and pride in what they already can do so well!”
The Gardner School of Minnetonka
Natalie G.
Lead Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS September 2022
“For me, every day has a sweet moment. From good morning hugs to proud learning moments and lunchtime giggles, my bucket of sweet moments is always filled!”
The Gardner School of Blue Ash
Kimberly C.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS May 2009
“I love seeing my students learn new things, and it means so much when they come to me for snuggles and comfort.”
The Gardner School of Cincinnati
Bry C.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS May 2021
“My favorite thing about working at TGS is the families that I have grown with over the years. It has been such a blessing to expand my knowledge throughout the different age groups within the school! I have had the opportunity to start in toddlers, then took a lead position in preschool, and now I am absolutely loving Pre-K!”
The Gardner School of Dublin
Greta C.
Lead Teacher, Kindergarten
Started at TGS July 2022
“I love it when my students from previous years come back to visit me. This shows me that I built a great relationship and that they loved my classroom.”
The Gardner School of Powell
Angel J.
Lead Teacher, Fours/Enchantment
Started at TGS September 2018
“I love the great community here of the wonderful families, children, and staff. My favorite part of working here is supporting and helping young children with their unique needs at school.”
The Gardner School of Brentwood
Tia J.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS August 2021
“I love watching each of my students grow into incredible little humans, and working with my amazing coworkers!”
The Gardner School of Franklin
Audrey H.
Started at TGS April 2023
“Create a small learning environment in your home and go over skills we cover in the classroom.”
The Gardner School of Midtown
Sarah S.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS December 2021
“It always brightens my days when my Pre-K students come back to visit! I also love reading emails from families of former students about how their kiddo is adjusting and thriving.”
The Gardner School of Nashville
Robin M.
Floater, Fours/Enchantment
Started at TGS March 2016
“When parents are entering their child’s class, they can look at the lesson plan for that week. This will reinforce the information or activities the child is doing in school.”
The Gardner School of Ashburn
Celene A.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS June 2022
“One day during a morning meeting I was talking to my students about having gratitude and love towards the special adults in their lives, and all of them asked me to add my name to the list. They hugged me and told me, ‘We love you, Ms. Celene!’”
The Gardner School of Herndon
Pamela W.
Assistant Teacher
Started at TGS August 2016
“I love getting to be silly with the children. They keep my energy level high!”
The Gardner School of Manassas
Katie K.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS August 2019
“Let your child lead their learning. What are they interested in? Create activities around that topic that support their academic goals.”
The Gardner School of 9+CO
Susie N.
Started at TGS October 2022
“The best teaching moments with occur when you demonstrate patience. Children will learn things more quickly when you show them that it is okay to make mistakes.”
The Gardner School of DTC
Thriveni V.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS May 2022
“Instead of just holding a young infant, take the opportunity to sing to them, dance, and read books. Interaction helps to build the relationship and will build their interest in activities. They will enjoy being enriched and stimulated. This will also help teach them independence, and they will be better able to self-soothe.”
To all of our 2023 Teachers of the Year, we see all the work you do and the warmth you bring to your students every single day. Thank you for making their first experiences in the classroom positive and memorable!
Excellence in Teaching Makes a Difference
Academic, social, and emotional outcomes are enhanced when preschoolers have skilled and experienced early childhood educators. We prioritize teacher excellence by providing professional development opportunities. If you want to see how great teachers can make a difference in your child’s learning journey, schedule a tour at your nearest TGS location.