New middle school English teacher Dhugal Gardner brings his passion and excitement for language to Trinity. After teaching English in Spain, he worked on the Florida State University (FSU) campus at the Center for Intensive English Studies for a summer as a tutor for foreign exchange students.
Gardner’s most recent job was at Lake Brantley where he taught AP Literature and other honors classes. Current English teacher Kent Kersten and Gardner were co-workers at Lake Brantley. When Kersten later left to pursue his teaching career elsewhere, it inspired Gardner to make a change himself.
“[Kersten] enjoyed teaching here and it sounded very appealing to me, so I went ahead and interviewed and here I am,” Gardner said.
In his years as a student, Gardner fondly admired his teachers. Gardner gravitated towards his English teachers and now finds himself in the position in which he once looked up to, as a sixth and seventh-grade English teacher.
“I enjoy the process of getting somebody to see the lightbulb turn on, when they understand the concept,” Gardner said. “I enjoy accompanying people on that journey to growth in the classroom.”
During his time at FSU, Gardner achieved two bachelor’s degrees in language and literature in both English and Spanish.
“I’m a huge reader. I love writing, I love language,” Gardner said. “I studied literature and I have continued my love for books, and it’s great to be able to do that for work.”
When not teaching in the classroom, Gardner spends his time playing water polo. In 2007, he won the district championship for Lake Brantley High School and in 2008, Gardner won his team’s Most Valuable Player award. He then continued his water polo career at FSU, where he played for a club team. Gardners’ passion for the sport never died, as he still looks to improve his skills and have fun while doing so.
“I play with an adult league … and I coached for a long time,” Gardner said. “It’s good for you and keeps me in shape.”
Now, Gardner is poised to embark on his next chapter, eager to bring his passion, experience, dedication and energy to the classroom.
“I’m looking forward to building a relationship with my students and watching them grow over the school year,” Gardner said.
