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Degrees and Certifications:

B.S. Geology, Florida State University M.Ed. STEM Education, Lesley University 32 graduate credits, University of South Florida, College of Marine Science Additional Professional Development Coursework: Technology Education, Valley City State University Design Thinking, Arizona State University Center for Effective School Practices, Rutgers University

Catherine Gardner

I am in my third year teaching STEM and Engineering with West Orange Public Schools.  I am a creative and versatile STEM educator hoping to inspire a similar passion for STEM disciplines in my students. 

Prior to teaching with West Orange, I spent 10 years with Liberty Science Center, honing my educational practice and finding real world connections and exciting motivators in STEM topics for students, families, and New Jersey teachers.  I helped develop exhibitions, taught student workshops, teacher professional development series, and presented public shows within the museum.  I bring a lot of this flair for teaching and free-choice approaches to learning with me to my classroom.

Outside the classroom, I have the heart of a maker.  I sew - mostly costuming, cook, and work on a variety of other crafts and digital designs.  I encourage curiousity and experimentation in my two small children, and together we explore our sense of adventure traveling to new places, near and far.