About Mrs. Gandarias

If you landed on this page, you are probably curious about the quirky teacher named Mrs. G. I hope this note will give you a brief picture of me and my teaching philosophies.

While I previously worked in the Edmonds School District, in 1996, I began teaching third and fourth grades in the South Whidbey School District. In 2010 I made the leap to South Whidbey High School to rekindle my love of literature and the written word. This transition was a reawakening to my passion for knowledge and learning that drives my life. The pile of books by my nightstand stands as a testament to a varied appetite for literature. Fiction novels, nonfiction exploration, magazine articles, poetry, essays, quotes, and quips all have a place in my class. I honor discussion and sharing. Be prepared to share what you are reading and enjoying. Maybe your selection will be added to my to-read stack. I am always looking for a good read that will open my eyes and change my perspectives.

In addition to my love for literature, I believe understanding technology and creating innovative projects will provide opportunities beyond the classroom. My classes are steeped in the language and understanding technological literacy. Using learning and projects to inspire, create, and synthesize, my students learn the technological skills needed to be successful. Students need to be aware of the good, bad, and the ugly sides of technology, both as it relates to English class and their life beyond the classroom. These are all aspects of my class; embracing technology as a way to enhance the stories we read. I am an avid supporter of Creative Commons and other tools that help in the creation of student products and honor the original creator.

I believe that we each can be better and continue to develop a personal learning framework. How each person acquires information and develops curiosity says something about their life goal. My goal is to assist students in becoming curious, critical thinkers who aspire to lifelong learning. The following list showcases my philosophy of learning:

1. Learning can be fun and filled with laughter. A learning class is busy.

2. There is a book or style to capture every learner.

3. Learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom.

4. Real learning happens when we are challenged to think, grow or refocus ideas. It isn’t always a comfortable endeavor.

5. Success with reading, writing, and speaking takes time and revision.

6. We all have something unique to offer to the learners around us. Dig deep and share what you know.

7. Not everyone will become an English major, but we all use language to persuade, articulate ideas and communicate.

8. Poetry and the use of language opens us up to different experiences. One never knows what might be discovered.

9. Discoveries and passions fuel our interest. I encourage students to be curious and find new interests.

10. There are too many exciting ideas to explore and no opportunity to be bored.

While I adore teaching, my life away from school keeps me busy too. I have a great family; husband Frank and sons Lucien (17), Gabriel (14). Our Tortoiseshell cat, Autumn: Yellow Lab, Vickie, and Cockatiels: Speckles and Sunshine round out the mix. The kids keep busy with their sports and music, but family time is spent playing games, boating, biking, and discussing the minutiae of nerdy movies and board games. When I get a moment to myself, I like to read, garden, and get creative with a lengthy list of crafts. Music and playlists provide a backdrop for our family time. However, I can easily break up any monotony with stellar kitchen dancing, usually to 80's music.

I hope you'll join me in releasing the books from the dusty shelves and delving into their depths.

"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home."

~Anna Quindlen