Each year, The Gardner School celebrates the teachers who have had an exceptional impact on their school by naming them Teachers of the Year. It’s a great honor to receive this distinction, and we are so proud of each and every teacher receiving this honor from their peers. They make our schools what they are, working with our students to build strong foundations for their futures. And that’s what makes The Gardner School such a wonderful place to learn.
From the entire TGS family, we congratulate these exceptional teachers and are grateful for everything they have done (and continue to do) to best serve our students, families, and schools!
Bucktown: Ms. Shayna
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Discovery (Toddlers)
Started at TGS: January 2020
Favorite Part of the Working at TGS: Knowing that I am loved and appreciated by my students and their families.
Top Tip for Parents: Establish consistent daily routines similar to your child’s classroom schedule. This will help the child adapt to a new environment while also developing and learning.
Lincoln Park: Ms. Kathy
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Discovery (Toddlers)
Started at TGS: March 2019
Sweetest Moment of 2021: My sweetest student moment in 2021 was seeing all of my kids happy, healthy, and thriving in the classroom.
Fun Facts: I love to sing!
Lincolnshire: Ms. Brenda
Role at TGS: Assistant Teacher, Fascination (Infant)
Started at TGS: June 2021
Top Tip for Parents: My best tip is that consistency is key! Child development takes a lot of practice and that is possible at home and TGS! I love helping parents come up with fun ways to incorporate learning at home! We set goals and work towards them together and give updates as much as possible.
Fun Facts: I own two cats!
Naperville: Ms. Jacqueline
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Enchantment (Fours)
Started at TGS: March 2018
Sweetest Moment of 2021: I loved watching and listening to our class sound out letters and read words in their storybooks. I was so proud of the class, and the students were so proud of themselves.
Fun Fact: I also love to introduce and teach songs to the class.
Northbrook: Ms. Olga
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Enchantment (Fours)
Started at TGS: August 2020
Top Tip for Parents: Learn to communicate with your child and constantly engage in conversations about the things they see. Nurture your child’s curiosity and inquisitiveness to extend their learning process and prepare the foundation for their future success.
Fun Facts: I have lived on three continents, in 5 different countries and have visited 30 countries during my life.
Oakbrook: Ms. Elizabeth
Role at TGS: Assistant Teacher, Imagination (Threes)
Started at TGS: October 2019
Favorite Part of Working at TGS: My favorite thing about working at TGS is observing how the children grow throughout the year! It amazes me to see how much they can obtain at such a young age.
Fun Fact: My first job is being a teacher, and my second job is being a dog mom! It’s all about my dog at home!
River North: Ms. Hannah
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Imagination (Threes)
Started at TGS: August 2020
Sweetest Moment of 2021: All the hugs from my friends! During such a tough year, coming into work every day has been such a bright light. Getting to see my students smiling, laughing, and having fun has put a smile on my face each and every day!
Fun Fact: I worked at an advertising agency for two years before I became a teacher!
Schaumburg: Ms. Leyda
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Discovery (Toddlers)
Started at TGS: August 2019
Favorite Part of Working at TGS: My favorite part is getting to teach any age group with so much curiosity and helping them reach milestones as a group and individually. I also appreciate the connections made with parents, coworkers, and students here!
Sweetest Moment of 2021: When my group of toddlers learned to sing and do the steps to a Spanish nursery song called “Salta!” which translates to “Jump!” in English. They all get excited, and their eyes beam when they hear we are about to sing the song!
West Loop/Madison: Ms. Jessica
Role at TGS: Assistant Teacher, Fascination (Infants)
Started at TGS: January 2018
Sweetest Moment of 2021: Together with another infant classroom, we created a “baby pool party” for the infants. We got a baby pool, and under supervision, we let the infants play in the water with bath toys. They had a blast.
Top Tip for Parents: Every moment is a learning opportunity for each child. Infants are very curious and are learning about the world each minute. Whenever you have a moment with your child, talk to them, make the sounds they are making, point at objects and connect them with a word, do tummy time with them. Any moment can be a learning experience and make a positive impact on your child’s life.
Yorktown Center: Ms. Bianca
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Fascination (Infants)
Started at TGS: December 2020
Favorite Part of Working at TGS: My director because she pushes her staff to be the best that they can be and always keeps everyone in great spirits.
Top Tip for Parents: Always love, accept and advocate for your child no matter how fast or slow they may learn. Communicate with your child’s teacher to see how you can implement learning strategies at home.
Blue Ash: Ms. Michelle
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Fascination (Infant)
Started at TGS: October 2010
Top Tip for Parents: Don’t forget to practice tummy time and floor time at home!
Fun Facts: I love koalas!
Dublin: Ms. Vandana
Role at TGS: Assistant Teacher, Kindergarten
Started at TGS: October 2018
Sweetest Moment of 2021: Once in the classroom, I was sitting on a chair, feeling a little overwhelmed while kids were doing different centers. One of the students came to me and asked me if I was okay. I told her I was a little tired. She gave me a big hug and sat on my lap. After a couple of seconds, I told her I was feeling better and thanked her for the hug. She said,” Oh, I am not done yet!“ and squeezed her arms around my neck even tighter. That made me feel so happy and warm on the inside.
Fun Fact: I like to travel whenever I can and explore different places. I also enjoy reading travel blogs.
Louisville: Ms. Jennifer
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Exploration (Twos)
Started at TGS: December 2018
Sweetest Moment of 2021: I was in a Pre-K class for part of the year, and many of those kids graduated and went on to kindergarten. The sweet moment was hearing that a group of them still get together to see each other. I love that they’re keeping in touch and are all friends!
Fun Facts: I was born and raised a California girl and took two of my daughters to see the Golden Gate bridge a couple of summers ago.
Eagan: Ms. Teresa
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Enchantment (Fours)
Started at TGS: December 2020
Favorite Part of the Working at TGS: I appreciate the support of other teachers at TGS. When I tell a teacher what a student did that was great, teachers respond enthusiastically in front of the child, giving more validation for their good work. That’s important to me.
Fun Facts: I recently completed a musical that I wrote, and I’ve also created a prototype for a solution to address the problems of gloves and mittens always falling off kids’ hands!
Edina: Ms. Catherin
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Exploration (Twos)
Started at TGS: June 2020
Top Tip for Parents: Be patient as the child is still learning each day and developing. Praise them for their daily achievements!
Fun Fact: I can speak three languages.
Minneapolis: Ms. Natalie
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Imagination (Threes)
Started at TGS: April 2021
Favorite Part of Working at TGS: The families! Getting to know where everyone comes from is super interesting.
Fun Fact: My cat’s full name is “Dr. Surgical Gloves Kittyman.”
Minnetonka: Ms. Elena
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Imagination (Threes)
Started at TGS: November 2017
Sweetest Moment of 2021: A student I had in 2017 went to kindergarten this year and wrote me the sweetest goodbye letter. It said, “Thank you for teaching me cool songs and to be nice to bugs.” She ended the letter with my favorite saying: “Peace out, dude!” It made my heart feel so loved!
Fun Facts: I have jumped out of a plane TWICE!
Franklin: Ms. Adrienne
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Exploration (Twos)
Started at TGS: January 2020
Favorite Part of Working at TGS: Making lifelong friendships and connections.
Fun Fact: I got married in 2021, and I received so many thoughtful gifts and letters from families I work with now or worked with previously. They made me feel so loved!
Midtown: Mx. Haley
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Fascination (Infant)
Started at TGS: September 2019
Favorite Part of Working at TGS: Helping my students grow and learn.
Sweetest Moment of 2021: While coaching a soccer enrichment (in addition to being a classroom teacher), I got to facilitate students’ physical development and see their confidence grow exponentially!
Nashville: Ms. Teena
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Enchantment (Fours)
Started at TGS: September 2015
Favorite Part of Working at TGS: My favorite thing about working at TGS Nashville is talking and interacting with the children. Watching their little minds grow is an awesome thing. I also enjoy the workshops and growth opportunities TGS provides.
Sweetest Moment of 2021: I had a student who was having trouble sleeping, so I decided to sit beside him to help him settle down. Once I sat down beside his cot, he climbed in my lap, looked me in the eyes, and said, “Ms. Teena, I love you.” Then, he fell asleep in my arms.
Herndon: Ms. Sarada
Role at TGS: Lead Teacher, Imagination (Threes)
Started at TGS: January 2016
Top Tip for Parents: Make communication a priority and boost your child’s self-esteem.
Fun Fact: I had a farm back in my home country of Nepal! I have milked cows and goats numerous times.
Thank You and Congrats, TGS 2021 Teachers of the Year!
You provided your students with transformative learning experiences throughout the year. May the years to come be just as wonderful for you and your little learners! Learn more about The Gardner School’s teachers and teaching philosophy by visiting our website today!