Sarah Nitsch
Tumtum (Preschool) Teacher
Sarah has over 20 years experience working in the Early Learning field. A majority of this time has been working with children 4 weeks to 5 years old and their families in Early Head Start and Head Start preschool programs, working in various roles such as a teacher, a coach (training teachers) and as an assistant director. Her educational background includes an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark College and various trainings and certifications related to teaching/caregiving infants, toddlers and preschoolers, observing and rating classrooms for quality standards and providing training/support for teachers and parents.
Sarah joined the Gardner School community in 2013 as a parent of a Tumtum student. She enjoyed substitute teaching in the preschool and kindergarten classrooms as well as volunteering to co-chair the build of the early childhood playground stage, coordinate the school book fair for 5 years and many other PTO events at the school. Sarah then joined the faculty as the Tumtum Teacher in 2019.
Sarah lives with her husband and their two daughters. They like to go hiking and exploring as a family when they have time. She also enjoys relaxing at home; writing and reading or watching sappy Hallmark Channel movies while snuggling with her kids and pet cats.
“I believe in focusing on children’s individual strengths, needs and emotional well-being, in order for them to feel comfortable and happy at school; it is only then that learning can be embraced in an authentic and meaningful way. As a parent of two children who attended Gardner School of Arts and Sciences for over 8 years, I love welcoming the newest and youngest generation of Gardner students and their families into the school community.”
