Hello 3A Families and WELCOME! 

I am Mrs. Gardner and I am thrilled to be a part of the SMS family. This is my sixth year as a third grade teacher at Saint Mary School. My classroom is designed to be a comfortable learning environment where my students are constantly encouraged to work to their God given potential. My students are fully supported academically, socially, and emotionally as they have fun learning. Your children will "SPARKLE" in 3A and I can't wait to watch them shine. I feel very blessed to have your children in my class.

I hold a Masters Degree in Elementary Education, a Bachelors Degree in General Education, and an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach in both public and private school systems in New York City and on Long Island. I look forward to bringing the best of my experiences to third grade. 

My teaching experiences are vast and rewarding. First, I served as a permanent substitute teacher for two years in a Long Island school district. I taught all areas and grades district wide from Nursery to 12th grade. This experience helped me prepare for a new role as a special education teacher in the Bronx. I taught two years as a resource room teacher supporting students in math and reading in grades K-5. After this, I took the opportunity to have my own class. I became a special education teacher for six years of grades K-2, teaching children with behavioral problems, speech impairments, and learning disabilities. After eight rewarding years in the Bronx, I undertook a new adventure, accepting a teaching position in a private school on Long Island. At this time, I taught sixth grade and the following year I taught second grade in the general education setting. Afterwards, I took a sabbatical from teaching to raise my four children. 

I returned to teaching in 2015. Since then, I taught third grade and it has become my passion and happy place. Third graders love to learn, explore, and discover, and I love to encourage, motivate, and engage my students. Together we make a great team!

I look forward to working with my students and partnering with you for an exciting and rewarding school year!