NAME:
Anne Gantner
SCHOOL:
Our Lady Queen of Peace
CLASS:
1st Grade
SCHOOL PHONE:
636-671-0247
Hello! My name is Mrs. Anne Gantner, and I’m your First Grader’s teacher.
I’d like to tell you a little about myself. I knew I wanted to be a teacher
since I was in the third grade. I'm the oldest of six siblings, and I was
always making them play school!
During college, I worked at Countryside Montessori in Ladue. I graduated Summa
Cum Laude with degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary K-8. After
graduation, I taught first-third grade Math and Science and third grade
Homeroom at Our Lady Of Sorrows.
The summer of 1981, I had my first child and stayed home for 6 more births- a
total of 21 years. That was a long maternity break!
While I was “home”, I held every volunteer position imaginable at my kids’
grade school and high schools. That's how I kept in touch with "grown-ups"! I
also substituted at our parish school, and taught piano in my home. I returned
to full-time teaching in 2001 at Webster Hills Pre-School. In 2002, I began at
Our Lady Queen of Peace teaching second grade. In 2004, I switched to first
grade.
My youngest, Tom, is in the 8th grade here at O.L.Q.P. Joe is a Senior at
Rockwood Summit. Tim is studying to be a High School teacher and coach. John
graduated from MIZZOU last Spring with a degree in Finance and is currently
interviewing for a Banking job. Laura is beginning her second year as a
Counselor at her Alma Mater, Cor Jesu. Paul passed the Bar in Missouri and
Illinois and is working at a law firm. And George, our oldest, is married to
Alexandra, and is a branch manager for Enterprise Leasing in Chicago.
My husband, George, works for Wells Fargo. We’ve been married 34 years (I
married very young!). We’re parishioners of Sacred Heart in Valley Park.
You’ll find I have a passion for books of all kinds. I love design using
texture, color, items of nature, and antiques- and of course I love animals!
My greatest happiness, though, comes from children- mine and yours!
First Grade is a wonderful year! Your children are somewhere between “early
reader” and “fluent reader”. A whole new world of words is opening up to
them. Their handwriting is steadier and their cutting is straighter. They
are much more confident at school, and in fact love school- but would still
rather be home with you! When you do push them out of the car and into the
room, the exciting thing for me is how enthusiastic and eager they are.
Together, we will guide them through all the new information and experiences.
My philosophy of education remains the same today as it was when I graduated
from college. If children are put in a stimulating and creative environment,
they will learn. We all learn better when information is presented in certain
ways. Some of us need to hear, some of us need to see, or read, or touch.
Knowing that, I try to present concepts in several ways.
Throughout the day, the class will be sitting in desk formations or on the
carpet in a large group. Often, they are in small groups that change with the
subject. Sometimes we’re noisy- sometimes we’re very quiet. Everybody’s
“style” or needs will be addressed.
I enjoy thinking of new and creative ways to teach. If a student is excited
about the material and also sees the teacher excited, the learning can be
powerful. The theme of Wild Animals and many secondary, monthly themes
enhance our experience.
Finally, at this age, it is so important to instill that love of learning and
searching for answers. In these early years, their study habits and attitudes
are set. It is very important to me to nurture the learner and give them a
strong foundation as they continue through school.