PACK PRIDE Staff Spotlight: Shirley Garner

Now introducing our April Pack Pride Spotlight: Mrs. Shirley Garner! The Little Wolves instructor was nominated by Director Holly Martinez for her commitment to the well-being of the program and its students.

“Shirley is an amazing team player who strives to make Little Wolves the best it can be,” said Martinez. “She’s always willing to step in and support any other classroom or student as needed.” 

Martinez admires the fact that Mrs. Garner takes all necessary steps to ensure that students and their families have the best possible experience. She also noted Garner’s commitment to continuous growth and clear communication with families. “She’s on top of ensuring state licensing guidelines are always in order and also seeking out additional training and opportunities to grow in her practice. She also goes above and beyond to communicate with her families.”

Shirley brings her absolute best each day so that her students and staff can do the same. “I hope to…spread positivity, encouragement, and motivation,” she said. “I hope that by being supportive and uplifting, I can help my coworkers and my students grow and become better each day. I want my classroom to be a place where students enjoy learning, feel safe, and have fun while doing it.”

Mrs. Garner takes pride in her community, both inside and outside the classroom, and wants to do right by it. “I truly enjoy working with Holly and my colleagues, and I especially love my little people. They keep me going every day. Their hugs, love, and pure curiosity make my job so rewarding."

Her impact comes full circle: as she gives to her students, they inspire her to keep growing in her career and embracing each day. “They encourage me in ways they may not even realize,” she shared. “When they tell me how much they love me and enjoy being in my classroom, it reminds me that I’m doing something right.”

Shirley feels accomplished in knowing her influence is felt after the school day ends. “Many parents continue to message me and tell me how much their child enjoys my classroom, how much they love me as their teacher and how much they appreciate the things I do. That makes me feel truly fulfilled.”

Shirley is a true embodiment of the 7 Habits of Character in the way she cares deeply for her students, staff, and Little Wolves families. According to Martinez, she most strongly showcases her accountability and perseverance.

Martinez applauded her for her flexibility and assistance through a number of staff and classroom changes. She was in constant communication with other staff to ensure their rooms were running orderly and were compliant with the state teacher-to-student ratio.

Another experience Martinez shared was Garner’s ability to adapt to students’ learning, meeting them where they are in terms of letters, sounds, numbers, etc. “Shirley has a handful of children who already know all of their letters and sounds. She's working with them on acceleration activities to make sure their learning doesn't take a pause. She's able to balance providing acceleration and remediation for students who need more support with preschool foundation skills so that all are ready for kindergarten.”

More than anything, it’s her connection with others that defines her impact. Mrs. Shirley Garner continues to uplift the Little Wolves community and everyone lucky enough to be part of it.

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