After two years teaching at Trinity, middle school English teacher Dhugal Gardner will be departing at the end of this year to teach in India. Known for his engaging lessons and strong connections with students, Gardner has made a lasting impact on Trinity’s community.
Gardner first came to campus through a personal connection. He previously worked with current English teacher Kent Kersten at Lake Brantley High School who encouraged him to explore opportunities Trinity.
“I had a good friend who was working here … and he always told me how much he loved it,” Gardner said. “So, I decided to see if there were any openings.”
During his time at Trinity, Gardner says his favorite part was not a single moment.
“I think it’s just the entire experience (here with) my students to my colleagues and all the events,” Gardner said.
He also appreciates the independence he has been given in the classroom.
“The freedom and trust that I receive … makes me be able to be the best teacher I can be,” Gardner said.
His classes, often described as both structured and supportive, encouraged students to see themselves in their work and grow as readers and writers. He often used writing exercises to help students and class discussions that allowed everyone to share their ideas.
“I like to make it so the students see themselves in what we work on,” Gardner said.
As a teacher, Gardner focused on building confidence and curiosity in his students, hoping they would carry those skills into the future.
“I hope that they go into seventh grade with some confidence and desire to keep on writing and reading and learn from that process,” Gardner said
Gardner’s departure comes as he takes on a new opportunity abroad. However, he explained that this decision to leave Trinity was not made lightly. He will be moving to India to teach high school English, something he has wanted for a long time.
“I took a job in India … something that I’ve wanted to do for a while,” Gardner said, “I’ve always wanted to experience teaching in a different culture and work with students from around the world. It was a very difficult decision to leave a place like Trinity.”
Despite his excitement about entering a new chapter of his life, Gardner says he will miss many parts of Trinity, especially the people.
“I’ll miss my colleagues … and my students, of course,” Gardner says. “I will miss the sense of community that we have here.”
Gardner credits his students for playing a major role in his growth by pushing him to develop both creativity and confidence.
“My students challenged me to think in new ways and try different approaches in the classroom,” Gardner said. “ It made me more creative… and more confident as a teacher,” Gardner said.
Students feel his impact as well. His classes are known for being engaging and supportive, helping students grow academically.
Before leaving, Gardner offered one final piece of advice to his students.
“Keep writing, keep reading … and be curious,” Gardener said.
As Gardner prepares to leave Trinity, his influence will remain with the students he taught and the community he helped build.
