At The Gardner School, our teachers are the heart of everything we do. They show up every day with passion and purpose, creating nurturing environments where our preschoolers thrive. Their dedication goes beyond lesson plans, they’re building a foundation of trust, love, and curiosity that shapes our children’s futures.
Each year, we proudly honor those who go above and beyond with our Teacher of the Year award! This distinction is earned by teachers who embody the spirit of excellence, creativity, and kindness in their work.
Congratulations to all of our incredible 2024 Teachers of the Year! Your impact is immeasurable, and we are grateful for the difference you make every single day.
The Gardner School of Bucktown
Emily D.
Assistant Teacher, Toddler/Discovery
Started at TGS June 2020
“This year I had the privilege of having the younger sibling of one of my favorite students and it has been so sweet seeing all of their similarities.”
The Gardner School of Lincoln Park
Carmen L.
Lead Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS July 2021
“Some of the sweetest student moments I’ve had this year include seeing our young students show such kindness to their friends. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when we do a learning activity, and also the random hugs I get from them!”
The Gardner School of Lincolnshire
Andrea D.
Assistant Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS September 2022
“My advice for parents is to teach your child how to express their emotions by using their words. When two year olds are able to express themselves, they are able to talk to teachers more, as well as their classmates. Especially if something is bothering them.”
The Gardner School of Naperville
Jordyn B.
Assistant Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS January 2024
“I think it’s so important to read with your child. Even just 1 story a night at bed time will do amazing things for their development. It will help them learn rhythm and cadence in reading, how to track words from left to right, and how to imagine things in their mind. Best of all, it will form a deeper bond between you and your child. The memories I have of my parents and grandparents reading to me are still some of my most treasured to this day.”
The Gardner School of Naperville North
Shyamala K.
Assistant Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS August 2018
“Simple encouragement and small rewards goes a long way for children to learn self help skills. That’s what I learn over the years in my experience and it helped children to become independent.”
The Gardner School of Naperville South
Rae S.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS January 2023
“I love being greeted every morning with big hugs and smiling faces!”
The Gardner School of Glenview-Northbrook
Beth P.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS September 2023
“I think the sweetest student moment for me of 2024 was after I first sang the song “Skinamarink a dink a-dink” to my class. One of them piped up and asked, “Why do you love us, Ms. Beth?” I told them that there was no one else in the world just like them— that they were each unique. They all grinned really big and then my little friend who’d asked the question said, “Yeah, you love us cause we’re u-neep!'”
The Gardner School of North Center
Kristine M.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS June 2014
“Working at TGS offers me an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I see the positive impact I’ve made in a child’s growth and development.”
The Gardner School of Oak Brook
Jessica C.
Lead Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS September 2015
“The best tip I can give to my parents about their child’s development is letting them know that every child learns at their own pace. Also, to communicate with their child, get engaged with their play and ask open ended questions.”
The Gardner School of Chicago-Ravenswood
Olivia D.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS June 2023
“Be engaged in your child’s life. Be curious and ask questions about their day and what they learned. A positive environment at home brings a positive attitude at school!”
The Gardner School of River North
Suzanne B.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS October 2023
“My favorite thing about working at TGS is the children and how I could never do this job without the support from my fellow teachers, especially my assistant teacher!”
The Gardner School of Schaumburg
Christina A.
Assistant Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS October 2013
“The best tip I can give parents on expanding learning at home is to focus on encouraging interaction through reading, singing and talking with their child. Introduce your child to different textures and colors during sensory play and tummy time. Make it fun!”
The Gardner School of Warrenville
Yadira H.
Lead Teacher, Toddler/Discovery
Started at TGS June 2018
“My sweetest moment is when my students learn something we are working hard on, and they are able to tell me about it!”
The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop
Alyssa M.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS November 2024
“Infants grow and explore at their own speed. Do not ever feel sad or scared that you aren’t doing enough as a parent because certain milestones haven’t been reached. If we work together and talk about goals for your child, they will achieve it!!”
The Gardner School at Yorktown Center
Natalie T.
Lead Teacher, Toddler/Discovery
Started at TGS March 2021
“My sweetest student moment in 2024 was watching one of the children in my classroom learn how to walk.”
The Gardner School of Louisville
Mollie T.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS April 2024
“The sweetest student moment for me in 2024 was when I received a handmade card from all of my students moments before I walked down the aisle at my wedding. My management team and my assistant teacher helped plan out the surprise and it is a moment that I will never forget. It truly meant everything to me to have a little piece of my students with me on my special day!”
The Gardner School of Eagan
Elizabeth G.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS February 2023
“I love working at TGS, everyone is so welcoming and it feels like one big family! I love working with the students, it fills my heart seeing them smiling, laughing, and learning along the way.”
The Gardner School of Edina
Jessica R.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS July 2019
“Spend quality time at home with your child! Their childhood is so short and SPEEDS by! Enjoy the little moments!”
The Gardner School of Minneapolis
Dee R.
Floater
Started at TGS February 2023
“A very fond memory for me is when I first introduced paper airplanes to the Imagination and Acceleration classrooms. Who knew aerodynamics could be so much fun!”
The Gardner School of Minnetonka
Paige J.
Lead Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS March 2024
“It’s so important to meet them where they are at for that day. Each day it might be different, but it’s vital to understand that they might require different stimulation zones or needs on different days. So be patient and try to understand where they are coming from each day!”
The Gardner School of St. Louis Park
Manisha C.
Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS December 2023
“My sweetest student moment was during our holiday program when I noticed a nervous child, hesitant to join in. I knelt down beside her, offering gentle words of encouragement and reassurance. Gradually, she found the courage, her confidence grew and she began to actively participate. Seeing her transformation in that moment reminded me of the profound impact we can have on a child’s life with a little patience and care.”
The Gardner School of Blue Ash
Myia D.
Lead Teacher, Fours/Enchantment
Started at TGS September 2022
“One of the sweet moments that I had this year was when one of my students was transitioning into another class and it was her last day she gave me a hug and said “you will always be my teacher.””
The Gardner School of Cincinnati
Amy L.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS February 2015
“My best tip is to always be patient with them, get on their level, offer them plenty of positive reinforcement celebrate all success’s even the small ones. Read on Brightwheel what your child is doing and learning about so you can also implement and expand on these things at home.”
The Gardner School of Dublin
Corbin S.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS December 2021
“Understand and embrace that your child may be very different at home compared to at TGS! Being open to feedback is a key component to the best development for a child!”
The Gardner School of Powell
Brooke D.
Assistant Teacher, Kindergarten
Started at TGS July 2023
“I value the connections and the support system at The Gardner School. Having such a strong sense of community not only helps have a big impact on the students and families but makes going to work each day even better!”
The Gardner School of Brentwood
Moriah T.
Lead Teacher, Fours/Enchantment
Started at TGS June 2022
“My favorite 2024 moment was the Holiday Program. My kiddos worked so hard everyday learning the words and actions to their song. Each practice was full of hard work and even more giggles/full blown belly laughs. Watching them perform on the stage (and beg to go back and do it again) was so sweet and extremely fun.”
The Gardner School of Franklin
Audrey G.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS April 2021
“I think my sweetest moment with my students in ’24 was the realization that I was getting not only parent recommendations but student recommendations to potential students. I also really enjoyed hearing about how prepared my students were for Kindergarten and how they are thriving. I love seeing their “ah-ha” moments, and hearing “I did it” that eventually changes to “I can do it.””
The Gardner School of Midtown
Ciara C.
Lead Teacher, Fours/Enchantment
Started at TGS August 2021
“The biggest tip that I can give is to let children be children. Don’t push them to grow up or learn faster than they need to. Go at their pace and listen to them. There is never a day that I leave my classroom where I don’t learn something from the children!”
The Gardner School of Nashville
Danielle W.
Lead Teacher, PreK/Acceleration
Started at TGS July 2022
“Consistency and repetition – Spending just a few minutes each day practicing sight words with their child helps them to learn and recall them with ease.”
The Gardner School of Arlington
Candace C.
Assistant Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS August 2024
“When reinforcing things they are doing at school remember that consistency, persistence and repetition are key!”
The Gardner School of Ashburn
Laurisa M.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Facination
Started at TGS July 2024
“One of my sweetest moments from 2024 would have to be that my first group of infants still want to see me and give me hugs.”
The Gardner School of Herndon
Alyssa K.
Co-Lead Teacher, Threes/Imagination
Started at TGS June 2021
“One of my best tips for parents is to allow children to have some independence to explore the world around them.”
The Gardner School of Manassas
Michelle C.
Assistant Teacher, Fours/Enchantment
Started at TGS August 2022
“My favorite thing about TGS is that everyday is filled with surprises and no day is the same!”
The Gardner School of Union Row
Naredose K.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Facination
Started at TGS August 2024
“My sweetest moments through the year would be when my students achieve their goals and when they start walking.”
The Gardner School of 9+CO
Mary D.
Lead Teacher, Infant/Fascination
Started at TGS July 2023
“My favorite thing about working at The Gardner School would be my leadership team, my fellow teachers, and my families.”
The Gardner School of Central Park
Isabella S.
Lead Teacher, Twos/Exploration
Started at TGS September 2023
“My sweetest student moment of 2024 was being able to see every kiddo break through their shell and show their unique personalities! For example, this past year I had a bilingual child start in my room and he was faced with many obstacles of not knowing how to communicate with others in the class! This made him shy away and keep to himself. Over the course of the year, I was able to watch him take risks and grow immensely! He now interacts, plays, laughs, and explores with everyone! As a teacher this is incredibly rewarding to witness!”
The Gardner School of DTC
Daisy R.
Lead Teacher, Toddler/Discovery
Started at TGS June 2023
“One of my students would see me when she came in in the mornings and run to give me a big hug every day!”
To our 2024 Teachers of the Year – your dedication, compassion, and daily impact on our students doesn’t go unnoticed. You create classrooms filled with encouragement, curiosity, and joy, leaving a lasting impression on every child. Thank you for making their first steps in learning so meaningful and memorable!
The Power of Exceptional Teaching
When preschoolers are guided by skilled, caring educators, their academic, social, and emotional growth soars. At The Gardner School, we’re proud to invest in teacher excellence through ongoing professional development and support. Want to see the difference great teachers can make in your child’s education? Schedule a tour at one of our TGS locations today!