About Mrs. Gratz!

Hello!

My name is Amanda Gratz and I will be your child's teacher this year at Tarkington Elementary School.  I am so excited for this school year!

Personal Background

 I grew up in a huge, Italian family and have so many family members in Italy.  I do understand  Italian and therefore understand most  of the Spanish language.  Family is everything to me!   My husband and I  have a beautiful 4 year old daughter named Giuliana and a two year old son named Colin.   We also adore our 7  year old pitbull mix named Bayley.  

Career Background

I have taught at Mark Twain Elementary for 10 years and have taught ELL, self contained ESL online, 1st, and 3-5th grade. I am excited to be teaching at Tarkington for a  fourth year this year! Before arriving in District 21, I attended Illinois State University for my Bachelors in Elementary Education and then attended Olivet Nazareth College for my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with ELL.  I have always wanted to be a teacher since the age of 8, and  am so excited that each year I am able to live out my childhood dream!

Teaching Philosophies

• Creating a safe, positive and compassionate environment is a priority. 

• Success comes from hard work and determination. 

• Something is better than nothing!

• Student growth is essential.

• Every learner is different, and that is my job to figure out how.

• Learning can be fun!

My Favorites!

• Color: Purple and Gold

• Food: Tacos and Cheese Fries

• Drink: Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts Coffee

• Hobbies:  Peloton workouts, bike riding, reading, and trying new restaurants

• Sport: Volleyball

• Singer: Lady Gaga

• TV Show: Any BRAVO show!

• Disney Movie: "Mulan" and "Luca"

• Vacation Spot:  Greece and Costa Rica