Mary Gardom
Position:
Math ALL Lab Teacher, Special Services
Contact:
E-mail: Mary.Gardom@gcisd.net
Education:
BA in Spanish and History, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX
Teacher Certification, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX
Background:
After graduating from college I spent four years working and traveling before going to work as a buyer of advertising materials for a major corporation. Although I enjoyed that career, I knew it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After 14-1/2 years I left that career and began doing what I really wanted to do—teaching students with learning disabilities.
This is my tenth year in the teaching profession and my sixth year at Colleyville Heritage High School. I taught previously at Clifton High School in Clifton, TX and at Bryan Adams High School in east Dallas.
Teaching Philosophy:
I believe all students can learn, although some have more difficulty doing so than others. I believe all students should be challenged to achieve high goals, and as a teacher it is my responsibility to hold high expectations for each of my students. Often my students set goals for themselves that on the surface seem unachievable because of his or her learning difficulties. But it is impossible to know just how hard he or she is willing to work to achieve that goal. It is my responsibility, and my pleasure, to help each student work to achieve his or her goal in spite of the learning difficulties he or she has.
Personal Statement:
I live in west Fort Worth with my dog, two cats, hamster, guinea pig, and squirrel. I provide “foster care” for cats that will be going out for “adoption”, specializing in infant kittens that must be bottle fed until they can eat on their own. I also enjoy sewing, reading, and working in my yard when I am not caring for my animals.