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Tamara Gardner
Tamara Gardner is committing more of her experience, talent, and deep love of the Proviso community to support the success of students and their families. She is a life long educator and coach who has touched lives of countless students in the Oak Park, River Forest, and Proviso communities. After nearly two decades as a K-12 school teacher, she is ready to inspire and propel a new generation of students and families to new heights in Science Technology, Trades, Engineering, Arts, and Math (S.T.T.E.A.M) to support academic, social, and family development.
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Our Founder
Why S.T.T.E.A.M.ed?
Mattie Robinson
A Pillar of the Community
Our Inspiration
Mattie Sue Robinson was a phenomenal educator and was dedicated to the development of young warriors within her influence. Mrs. Robinson is the inspiration for S.T.T.E.A.M.ed. She dedicated herself to the students and families of Proviso and S.T.T.E.A.M.ed will carry the work that she started forward for future generations.
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Mattie began her teaching career in 1972 at Presentation Grammar School in Chicago, IL. She then moved on to Liberty County Board of Education as a Social Studies teacher in Hinesville, GA. From 1980-1982, Mattie taught reading & mathematics at the Army Education Center in Kitizengen, Germany. After a short break, Mattie returned to the teaching workforce in 1986 as a Self-Contained Intermediate Instructor for 6th grade.
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Mattie began teaching at Lexington Elementary in Maywood in 1992 as a Social Studies Instructor. From 1994-2011 Mattie served the Proviso Township High Schools of District 209 in Maywood, IL. Her tenure included positions such as a History Teacher, PTHS 209 District Office Curriculum Coordinator, Department Chair of Social Studies, & Evening High School Principal. Mattie retired from Proviso Township High School in 2011.