Mrs. Gabrielle Tanner
My name is Gabrielle Tanner and I have been the Principal of Sheldon Head Start Child Development Center and Pine Ridge Prep Preschool since the 2020-2021 school year. I feel very privileged for the opportunity to serve these amazing school communities!
I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education and an ESOL endorsement from Emporia State University. I also hold a Master's of Science in School Leadership from Baker University. I have had the opportunity during my career to become a district trainer in trauma informed practices and the Comprehensive Integrated Three Tiered Systems of Support. These experiences have developed my mindset, beliefs, and prepared me for school leadership.
I began my teaching career in Emporia Public Schools in 2009. In Emporia I taught 4th grade for two years before deciding commuting wasn't for me and I needed a position closer to my home in Topeka! I began teaching in the Shawnee Heights school district where I taught 5th, 6th and 2nd grades for a total of 4 years. During this time I was completing my Master's in School Leadership and at the end of the 2014-2015 school year, I transitioned to an Instructional Coach role in Topeka Public Schools at Bishop Elementary. When Bishop closed I moved to the new Jardine campus where I served one year as the Dean of Students. I spent two years at Ross Elementary first as the Building Leader Intern and then as Assistant Principal. I am a teacher first and foremost and approach my work as a school leader in this way. My experiences working in diverse school communities have prepared me well. I believe a school should be a joyful place where students and staff feel safe to take risks to learn in new and different ways. Relationships are critical for creating this kind of culture therefore taking the time this fall to get to know all stakeholders will be a priority for me.
Personally, I live with my husband, Joe, and my daughters, Adelyn (10) and Camryn (6). My husband and I own Frye's Auto Repair located in Topeka. Adelyn is a 5th grader, and Camryn is a 1st grader in Topeka Public Schools. My little ladies keep me busy with theatre, competitive cheer, soccer, and their love of staying active! The majority of my family lives in Topeka and we enjoy every opportunity we get to spend together. My husband and I are huge sports fans and spend a lot of time watching our favorite teams (Jayhawks! Chiefs! Royals! Yankees!).
I look forward to the opportunity to share more about myself and to learn about all of you as we continue this journey together! Thank you for the privilege of leading.
|