|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Harvest Park Middle School teacher Greg Dankwardt was recently selected as the Pleasanton Unified School District’s 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year.
The 20-year educator was recognized for his “innovative teaching, student-centered approach, and leadership that fosters a positive and inclusive school environment”, according to an announcement in the April 1 E-Connect newsletter from the district,.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the Teacher of the Year,” Dankwardt said in a statement to the Pleasanton Weekly. “I view it as a reflection of the incredible environment at Harvest Park and throughout the district.”
Dankwardt first joined the district in 2006 after having taught fifth grade in Fremont. He spent two years teaching fifth grade at Fairlands Elementary School before moving over to Harvest Park, where he has been since.
At the middle school, Dankwardt said he primarily serves as the school’s math intervention specialist and as the math department chair. Additionally, he said he teaches Project Lead the Way design and robotics, which are curriculum designed by the PLTW nonprofit organization to better equip students with knowledge and skills in the STEM world, according to the organization’s website.
Outside of the classroom, he said he also helps facilitate leadership and student activities and serves as a member of the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program committee.
“Greg is the heart of our campus, creating a hands-on, welcoming environment where every student feels known, supported and capable of more than they imagined,” Harvest Park principal Russell Campisi said in a statement to the Weekly.
“From early-morning math support to leading inclusive programs in leadership, mentoring, and innovation, he builds strong relationships with students, staff, and families that turn the school into a true community,” Campisi added. “He’s truly a joy to work with, and his impact is felt in every corner of campus, where he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure all students have a place to belong and the confidence to succeed.”
One example of Dankwardt going above and beyond for his students is his passion for teaching the school’s “Mentoring Through Agriculture” class, which is a program that connects middle school students with preschoolers through gardening.
“One of my most rewarding experiences has been developing the Mentoring Through Agriculture program over the past seven years,” Dankwardt said. “My day brightens every time my middle school students engage with the younger preschool students either on the playground or in the garden.”
Dankwardt said the thing he values about working at PUSD is the “support from the district, administrators, and other teachers and staff, which has given me the creative freedom to develop unique and challenging courses and programs that keep students engaged and excited”.
“I am inspired by the talented colleagues and dedicated staff I work with daily,” he said.
But he also noted that his students remain the primary inspiration behind his work.
“The students are my motivation,” Dankwardt said. “I strive to create an environment where they are genuinely excited to walk through my door and feel safe and excited to tackle the day’s challenges.”
Pleasanton commission set to vote on major redevelopment project off Dublin Canyon RoadApril 21, 2026 4:30 pm
State finds Dublin day care center responsible for toddler’s death, imposes fine of $10,000April 21, 2026 10:00 pm
New retail, dining options coming to Stoneridge Shopping Center later this yearApril 19, 2026 9:24 pm