Peter Pickett

PE Teacher (Grades Pre-K - 6)

Peter came to the Gardner School in 2015 while looking for a school for his two daughters. He was drawn to the Gardner School for their unique-holistic approach to teaching along with the amazing spaces to learn. Peter has been responsible for creating an inclusive and engaging program that centers around the multiple intelligences philosophy.

In his time at the Gardner School, Peter has created a successful PE & Health curriculum for indoor and outdoor education that includes forest play for students preschool through 8th grade. He has integrated mental health practices such as meditation practices, yoga, and play based curriculum starting at the youngest age. He believes in learning through play and engagement and is loved at the school for his dynamic activities that seek most out the students physically and mentally. His classes foster a love for physical activity along with social-emotional connections.

Before Gardner, Peter started working with youth at the age of 16 where he spent time as a sports instructor, youth camp director, coach, and counselor. He has spent his summers working with a diverse group of students from Camp Laurel in Maine, Camp Gilead in Washington, and Pump Summer Program for inner city youth in Portland, Oregon. He received his teaching degree from Oklahoma Christian University and also has endorsements in early childhood & elementary education. Before Gardner, Peter taught at Harold Oliver Primary in Gresham, Oregon, Sunset Elementary in Vancouver, Washington and spent time subbing in classes K-12th for Centennial School District.

Peter is also considered one of the top soccer coaches in Oregon/SW Washington. He has coached for many different programs including Clark College Women’s program where he won 5 straight conference titles and was undefeated in conference all 5 years on his way to being named NWAC South Region Coach of the year in 2021. Peter also coaches at the Washington Timbers soccer club where he has been instrumental in the development of aspiring youth soccer players. His past team with Timbers was the first soccer team for boys or girls in Vancouver area history for all its players to commit to college. Peter has also spent time as a coach and director for the Portland Timbers and Thorns RTC, Seattle Sounders RTC, US Olympic Development Program, and Western Oregon University.

Peter lives in Vancouver with his wife Amanda and two daughters Lyla and Eva.

ppickett@gardnerschool.org