Sarah Nitsch

Tumtum (Preschool) Teacher

Sarah has over 25 years of 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 an assistant director. Her educational background includes an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark College, and certifications related to teaching and caregiving, rating classrooms for quality standards and providing training and support for teachers and families.

Sarah joined the Gardner School community in 2013 as a parent of a Tumtum student. She enjoyed substitute teaching, as well as volunteering for many events at the school for years. Sarah then joined the faculty as the Tumtum Homeroom Teacher in 2019.

Sarah lives with her husband and their two teen daughters. They like to go hiking and exploring as a family, and enjoy movie or game nights together. She also enjoys relaxing at home, reading mysteries or watching sappy Hallmark Channel movies while snuggling with her girls 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 for 11 years, I love welcoming the newest and youngest generation of Gardner students and their families into the school community."