LaShawn Gardner-Bowser

LaShawn Gardner-Bowser is a dedicated educational leader with a Master’s degree in Education and a steadfast belief in the power of teaching to transform lives. From an early age, she felt called to education—not through textbooks or tests, but through imaginative play. While some children were drawn to dolls, blocks, or toy cars, LaShawn was gathering her stuffed animals in child-sized chairs, turning her dresser into a chalkboard, and teaching “Ducky” the ABCs or guiding “Mr. Squirrel” through math problems. Even then, she understood that learning was about more than answers—it was about discovery, guidance, and the joy of growth.

Her career in education has been driven by a deep conviction that teaching is an act of service and purpose, not simply a profession. She believes that when teachers feel empowered, they, in turn, empower students—helping them not only master academic content but also cultivate resilience, motivation, and character. At City Neighbors Hamilton Charter School, LaShawn partners with teachers and staff to design engaging, student-centered learning experiences that honor voice, choice, creativity, and collaboration, all while grounding education in equity and social justice.

Her philosophy of progressive education centers students as active participants and creators in their own learning. She believes children flourish when they are safe, seen, and supported—when mistakes are reframed as opportunities, and when diverse perspectives are woven into the curriculum. For LaShawn, education must equip students with more than academic skills; it must provide them with the tools to navigate the world around them—and beyond it—with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

As a forever learner, LaShawn continuously seeks growth through professional development, reflective practice, and collaboration with colleagues. She is committed to cultivating environments where educators thrive, knowing that their growth directly impacts the success of the children they serve.

Above all, LaShawn’s work reflects her unwavering belief that every child has the capacity for greatness. She envisions schools as places of joy, purpose, and possibility—where students not only achieve but also discover who they are, what they value, and how they can make a lasting difference in the world.