Teacher Spotlight: Resurrection Catholic School’s Heather Gard

When Heather Gard was growing up, she attended what she considers the best Catholic school in Polk County. She may be a bit biased, however, since she is not only a Resurrection alum, she returned as a teacher, educating first graders at Resurrection Catholic School. Polk County Catholic Schools caught up with Heather after school one busy afternoon to find out when she decided she wanted to be a teacher and why she chose to return to Resurrection Catholic School.Polk County: Do you have roots in Lakeland?Heather Gard: Yes, both my parents grew up in this area and I was born at Lakeland Regional Hospital.PC: When did you graduate from Resurrection?HG: I graduated from Resurrection in 2001 after a wonderful education from Kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.PC: What is your favorite memory of attending school at Resurrection?HG: My teachers showed me a tremendous amount of God’s love each and every day. They proved they cared about more than just my education; they cared about me as a child of God. Their lessons made me love learning about God, and their reflection of God’s love made Resurrection feel like my second home, and all the people in it were my second family.PC: How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a teacher? HG: I can’t remember not wanting to be a teacher. I would come home from Resurrection and play school with my younger sisters and a menagerie of stuffed animals. My teachers made me realize what an impact they could make on their students, and I hope my students can look back and remember me in the same light I remember my teachers. To be able to positively change a student’s life is amazing.PC: What brought you back to Resurrection as a teacher?HG: Quite honestly, I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. I have great faith in the premise of Catholic schools: Jesus has to be the foundation in our lives so we can grow in every way possible. I teach my students that reading and hearing stories from the Bible every day is important, but not nearly as important as living our lives through Jesus’ word and devoting our love to him and others.PC: Now that you are a teacher at Resurrection, what do you enjoy most?HG: It is difficult to pin down one favorite. When I initially heard Resurrection was hiring a first-grade teacher, I was earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in Jacksonville. I dashed home and eagerly applied. I was thrilled to see the same smiling faces in the school office from my days as a student! Mrs. Nancy Genzel, Resurrection Catholic School’s principal when I was growing up, soon became my boss. When the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Deborah Schwope, was asked to fill the shoes left behind by Mrs. Genzel, I faced no adjustment since I had known her from my elementary and middle school years as well. Because I had grown up with Nancy and Deborah, I knew they had high expectations for their teachers, and I worked diligently to meet those demands.PC: Would you prefer to teach any other grade?HG: I interned with all grades from Kindergarten through 4th grade. First-grade students give love with no strings attached. I am blessed with these children every day, and their friendships with me and with each other are touching and beautiful. The thousands of daily hugs I receive and the light I see in their eyes when they have conquered something they thought was unattainable…it’s amazing. Although some days are challenging, my students realize I am their biggest fan and cheerleader. They know I will be with them every step of the way, and their faith in me is the greatest blessing of all.PC: What do you believe enhances a student’s education at Resurrection?HG: At Resurrection, students will always find people who care about them. I know our teachers will stop at nothing to help our students succeed. We believe in our students, not in their abilities to pass tests or advance to the next grade. We instill each student with Catholic morals and values as we guide them on their faith journey. We place all our effort into teaching our students because we truly believe we are the difference.PC: What is the most important lesson you can teach students at Resurrection?HG: Every day I tell my students that learning is not always easy, and the world is not always fair, and, at times, they may feel like giving up. However, I won’t let them give up on themselves. I believe in every one of my students, and I tell them that as long as they have faith in themselves and in Jesus, anything is possible. They learn on the first day of school that I am a “pusher” – I push my students to conquer their goals because I know they will be proud of their accomplishments.PC: What are your hobbies when you are not teaching? Would you like to share anything about your family?HG: I love spending time with my family! My husband, Clay, and I have known each other for 13 years and have been married for five wonderful years. Our 4-year-old daughter, Hunter Faith, is now in Pre-K4 at Resurrection and it is a joy having her in the same school where I teach. I wish for her to have the same amazing experiences at Resurrection that I had. Outside the school, Clay, Hunter, and I love going to the beach, taking the boat out, fishing, shopping, hunting in Georgia, running, and family dinners.PC: Where do you see Resurrection Catholic School in five years?HG: I honestly see it being even better than it is today, if that is even possible! The teachers and faculty at Resurrection are constantly evolving as we learn new techniques and begin new teaching methods. I admire Resurrection’s academically challenging curriculum and am amazed at the strength and diversity of its students. As the school continues to evolve, their goal remains the same: helping students grow into something great as the Lord’s children.To learn more about Resurrection Catholic School or any of the Polk County catholic schools, call the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4903.