Steven K. Garner
As a lifelong polyglot and ESL teacher, I design multilingual programs that honor human potential and unlock academic success. With compassion and innovation, I craft breakthrough strategies that help both learners and their teachers reach new levels of proficiency in the multilingual sphere.
Professional Focus
With decades of experience in multilingual education, I specialize in designing and leading ESL and English language development programs that move students toward full proficiency. My work focuses on empowering both learners and educators—developing curriculum that integrates participation strategies, vocabulary acquisition, and verbal fluency across all levels. From intake and placement to instructional coaching and professional development, I’ve built systems that help teachers meet the diverse needs of multilingual students with clarity and confidence. Grounded in a global perspective shaped by international travel and cross-cultural study, I bring a deep understanding of language acquisition, equity, and program innovation to every learning community I serve.
(Active Colorado Professional Teaching License: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education/English/Social Studies Endorsements,
Current FBI Background Check. Both available on request.)
Biographical Statement
I’ve always been drawn to movement—whether it’s biking through mountain trails, swimming laps at dawn, or exploring the far corners of the globe. As a lifelong learner and educator, I bring that same energy to the classroom, where curiosity, equity, and connection fuel everything I do. My journey began in Delano, California, a small farming town rich in cultural diversity and social activism. Growing up in the shadow of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers, I developed a deep respect for justice, multilingualism, and the transformative power of education.
My passion for international studies was sparked during a high school exchange year abroad—a formative experience that revealed both my gift for languages and my desire to build bridges across cultures. Since then, I’ve traveled widely, from the Arctic Circle to the Russian Far East, from Georgia to remote mountains of Nepal. These experiences have shaped my worldview and deepened my commitment to serving underserved communities with empathy, rigor, and joy.
Whether I’m integrating art and music into literacy instruction or helping students discover their voice in a new language, I believe in the power of education to open doors and change lives. My recent adventures—walking the Camino de Santiago and biking 400 miles across southern Sweden—mirror the kind of journey I hope to inspire in my students: one of curiosity, resilience, and global citizenship. I’m excited to bring my collaborative spirit, global perspective, and love of learning to new international school communities.
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Lindsay Marino, CO
"He is an expert in language acquisition as well as a highly effective instructor across disciplines. His legacy in our district is one of excellence, innovation, and deep humanity."
Dr. Tom Velazquez, CO
"I have been highly impressed by his teaching pedagogy, professional planning and how he works to build strong interpersonal relationships with his students."
Charles Wagner, CO
"...a visionary leader. He has overseen multilingual programming, mentored staff, collaborated with district leadership and designed training that builds collective capacity."