Patricia Gardner
Exceptional Education Leader
Integrity
Excellence
Compassion
Innovation
Motivation
Professional Status
Employed
Available
About Me
I continue to remain energetic and just as passionate as my first day as a teacher. The work that lies ahead in the Commonwealth will be tremendously guided by our changing demographics, need for social-emotional learning, and a laser focus on continued student achievement balancing both quality and equity. My leadership is heavily guided by the principles of collaboration, clear and effective communication, and being a voice for students from marginalized demographic groups.
Superintendent
Palmer Public Schools
Since September 2015
Full-time
Palmer
United States
- Savvy and innovative educator with a long history of success as a teacher and administrator:
Finding the right fit with a school district that shares the values and moral compass of its educational leader is paramount. Palmer has provided me this opportunity to both improve the overall health of the district and to continue to build my own strengths as an educator.
When I accepted this position, Palmer Public Schools was on a trajectory to become chronically underperforming. By creating an accelerated improvement plan which included leadership changes, strategic professional development, and data-driven instruction, we are a district now that needs no intervention from the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education. - We are currently finalizing, the 7th budget cycle of my tenure which has led to student success and fair working wage for teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, and substitute teachers. We can trace a through-line through our budget and district improvements.
Interim Superintendent/Curriculum Director
Southbridge Public Schools
2013
to 2015
- Because of my belief that all students can learn, I accepted the position of Curriculum Director in Southbridge Public Schools -- a chronically underperforming school district. Shortly thereafter, I was moved to position of Interim Superintendent. While I did my best to elevate the district and make needed changes, my value system did not align with that of the district. I made a very difficult decision of separating from this position. Fortunately, my seven years in Palmer have been a reminder of "finding the fit."
Interim Director of Student Services
North Brookfield Public Schools
2015
- Duties included all aspects of Special Education, ELL, and using data to drive instruction. Established the DESE mandate SEPAC.
