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KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Erica Gardner, a dedicated math teacher at D-B Excel High School in Kingsport, seems to have teaching in her blood. Growing up in Gate City, Virginia, she was surrounded by educators, a family tradition that clearly influenced her career path.
“My grandfather was once the superintendent of Scott County Schools,” Gardner shared. “Before that, he taught math. My mother-in-law has been an educator at Northeast State and has a long history of teaching in Scott County. My brother is also a teacher. So, it always felt like becoming a high school math teacher was my destiny.”
Gardner’s enthusiasm and commitment are evident in her classroom, where she continually motivates her students.
“We strive to make learning engaging and enjoyable,” Gardner explained. “We maintain high expectations, ensuring that when students leave, they’ve gained substantial knowledge.”
Her approach to teaching, characterized by energy and active participation, results in a dynamic learning environment where students are fully immersed from start to finish.
“We do warm-ups, and then Miss Gardner is going to teach us something, and then we’re going to practice something,” Gardner said. “We do activities. We do projects. Every day we’re doing something that is ingrained in algebra.”
“The students don’t have time to take a breath. I mean, she just keeps them moving, you know, bell to bell, and they love it, like they enjoy the energy,” D-B Excel Principal Beth Cohen said.
And it all adds up to success for Gardner and her students.
“I work every single day for that smile that comes across a kid’s face when I finally get it, after we’ve been working on it and working on it,” Gardner said.
Congratulations to Erica Gardner, this week’s Educator of the Week.