Kindergarten

While other little girls were playing with their dolls or playing house, Mrs. Gonzalez was in her basement playing school.   She was born wanting to teach.  Packing a punch with a law degree from UCSB, she completed her Teaching Credential at Westmont College, her CLAD Credential from UCSB and her Masters in Education and Technology from Azusa Pacific Education and Technology.  Her first teaching job was at Carpinteria School: Canalino, where she taught K-2^nd grade for 8 years.  While taking some time off to focus on her family, Mrs. Gonzalez continued to tutor college level courses, in addition to as well as teaching technology classes.  When she resumed her formal teaching career, she joined the faculty of   The Howard School where she has been teaching Kindergarten since 2008.  One of the best life lessons she has learned from teaching is that life doesn’t always go as planned so you have to stay flexible.  “Every day my students also teach me what life is really about.  They are filled with so much joy. I love watching them love each other, and the happiness they bring  me,” says Gonzalez.

What does Mrs. Gonzalez hope her students will take away with them next year?  “A deep love of learning,” she says.  “I don’t impose limits on any child and I teach to the highest level.”   One of Mrs. Gonzalez’ favorite things about teaching at Howard School is that she has no more than 12 students in her class, which allows her to truly individualize the learning experience for each child.  She is also so grateful for the Carden curriculum.