Teachers are the Difference: Sarah Gaunt

Sarah Gaunt
Lotspeich Third Grade Teacher

Stepping into Sarah Gaunt’s classroom is akin to embarking on a quest. Step by step, Lotspeich third grade students understand and solve the mysteries of the world around them one math equation at a time.

“The third grade math curriculum heavily focuses on developing an understanding of place value relationships, multi-digit addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100, fractions and their sizes, and describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes,” Gaunt said. “Regardless of what topic we’re studying, students are encouraged to think deeper, problem solve, and make sense of what they are learning with the goal of becoming stronger mathematicians.”

Gaunt provides real-world examples so students can better comprehend the relevance behind what they’re learning.

“For example, when they were learning about fractions and equivalent fractions, students filled orders for a fictional pizza shop based on pizza orders for a school or sports team and the number of different toppings needed,” Gaunt said. “If the toppings requested were equivalent to 1/2, they got a discount on the pizza. For our elapsed time unit, students used events that happened during their day to determine how much time passed between events. During our geometry lesson, we took campus walks to observe all the geometric elements around us.”

Gaunt’s highest priority is to meet the learning needs of every student in her classroom.

“One way I do this is by scaffolding my teaching and instruction with a goal of independence for all students,” Gaunt said. “I provide additional support when needed through reteaching or guided practice and providing extension or ‘challenge’ tasks to those ready.”

Her approach to meeting the unique needs of each of her students enables Gaunt to provide seamless differentiation opportunities based on the individual.

“I love working with my third grade students,” Gaunt said. “They are excited to learn, explore new content and ideas, and are always eager for more information. Working with kind and curious Seven Hills students has made teaching here an amazing and rewarding experience. The Seven Hills community is a wonderful group of families who are engaged in their students’ learning, are supportive, and partner with teachers on this educational journey. The beautiful campus is a lovely bonus!”