Jennifer Gilbertson comes from a family of teachers. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Ottawa, and completed her Master of Teaching degree at the University of Calgary, where she specialized in inquiry-based education and inclusive education. She began her teaching career at St. Marks School in Calgary, AB, where she taught Grade 1, then on to Ross Ford Elementary where she taught Grade 4. After that she spent several years teaching at a small K-12 school in Westlock, AB, where she had the opportunity to wear many hats. She taught French 4-12, Science 7-9, Math in Grades 1 and 5, PE for K, 1, and 2, Health K-10, served as the school counselor, and ran a free after-school tutoring program that was open to all students.

After having her oldest daughter, who is now a 4th Grade student at Tilden, she decided to teach part time at Suzuki Charter School, where she taught French in Grades 4-6. After moving to Seattle, and having seen the wonderful community at Tilden through her daughter’s kindergarten experience, Jennifer decided to join the Tilden team. This year will be the Kindergarten and Grade 1 reading specialist, health teacher, science specialist, and ⅘ team teacher.