Meet Natalie Gress, New Theatre Arts & CTE Teacher

The Garfield PTSA reached out to our new teachers with a few questions – e.g. tell us about yourself and why you went into teaching, do you have any pets, what activities do you enjoy and what advice would you share?  Until we can meet in person, it’s nice to get to know our teachers in some way that we can. 

I grew up in Renton, Washington and knew that I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age! My passion has always been theatre and storytelling, so I pursued that and have been teaching and directing locally in our region. I completed my student teaching at Garfield High School during the 2017-2018 school year and was a long-term substitute for the Theatre Teacher at that time. That experience confirmed that this was my dream job, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity as it’s the position I’m now currently working!

I’m a cat person through and through, but I also have a pet axolotl. My cat currently makes vocal appearances in most live lessons with students as she is quite the singer and hopes to get a debut album released early next year.

On the weekends, I normally see local theatre shows or music performances. Seattle has so much art happening that there is always a reason to step out of the rain. Since most performance venues are currently closed, I’m finding myself cycling more with my partner and playing video games online with friends.

If I could share any advice with students, it’d be to get involved with something you’re passionate about at school. Even if it’s currently online, check out that club or organization. It’s the easiest way to find community and try out different interests that you might decide to later pursue! There’s a place for you.

Welcome to Garfield, Ms Gress! – Garfield PTSA