From student to teacher, Giulia Gherardi Rodriguez’s journey at Gulliver has come full circle. A proud alum and passionate educator, she brings both experience and heart to the Middle School math classroom, inspiring students to see the beauty and purpose behind every equation. Her approach combines creativity, collaboration, and real-world connections, showing students that math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about problem-solving, curiosity, and confidence.
We asked Mrs. Gherardi Rodriguez some questions to learn more about her journey, her favorite classroom moments, and how she empowers students to embrace challenges and discover the joy of learning.
How long have you been at Gulliver, and what has made your time here so special?
This is my 14th year teaching at Gulliver, which is especially meaningful to me because I also attended Gulliver as a child. I still remember sitting in my first-grade classroom, looking up at my teacher Mrs. Foster, and thinking, “I want to do that one day”—and here I am! Another deeply special part of my journey is having my own children here with me. They’re getting to experience the same incredible community I did, and even more. It’s truly a blessing to share this with them.
What is one of your favorite memories from teaching at Gulliver, and is there something about you that might surprise your students or colleagues?
One of my favorite memories from teaching at Gulliver is bringing math to life in different areas of the school in fun and engaging ways. Celebrating Storybook and STEAM Halloween with the lower school a few years ago was a highlight—it was incredible watching the older students interact with the younger ones, sharing their knowledge of math and science in such a creative setting. I also love visiting the lower school for Pi Day and measurement activities. The collaboration and excitement across grade levels are truly inspiring!
As a Middle School math teacher, how do you keep your students engaged and excited about learning math, especially when they might feel challenged by the material?
I try to keep my students engaged by connecting math to real-world projects and turning learning into interactive games. They love competing in activities like Math Jenga, which brings out their enthusiasm. Our projects are always a highlight, like “Slippery Slope,” where we evaluate the accessibility of ramps around school to see if they meet handicap standards. We also dive into projectile motion by building catapults to explore the concepts of quadratics hands-on. I try to bring energy and creativity to every class, making it as lively and engaging as possible. We don’t just learn math—we have fun with it!
What is your favorite thing about teaching math, and what drives your passion for the subject?
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of solving a challenging problem, and I love seeing that same sense of accomplishment light up my students’ faces. Watching them reach that “aha!” moment, feeling proud and confident—that’s what fuels my work every day. I strive to help each student build confidence and truly believe in their ability to succeed. Math isn’t just for those who are “good at it”; it’s for everyone. I’m driven by the belief that anyone can be a mathematician—and love math along the way!
What advice would you give to Middle School students as they navigate the challenges of transitioning to higher levels of math and academics in general?
My advice would be to believe in yourself—you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Keep working hard, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it; learning is a journey best taken together. Embrace corrections on your assessments as a tool and do it for the sake of learning, not for a grade. Discover your passions, and pursue them wholeheartedly, no matter the challenges.
Gulliver offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects, so dive in, try everything, and enjoy the process. Savor each moment of learning and soak up all the knowledge you can!
How do you incorporate Gulliver’s core values (Seek the Challenge, Feed Your Curiosity, Amplify the “We,” Choose Generosity, and Grow into Greatness) into your math lessons and classroom environment to help students grow both academically and personally?
By weaving Gulliver’s core values into my math lessons, I aim to create a space where students not only strengthen their math skills but also grow in character, confidence, and curiosity. I encourage them to Seek the Challenge by tackling complex problems and viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn. I invite them to Feed Their Curiosity by exploring real-world applications of math and asking questions that lead to discovery. Collaboration plays a major role in my classroom, as students Amplify the “We” through teamwork and peer support, learning the value of collective problem-solving. I model and celebrate Choosing Generosity by fostering an environment of patience, encouragement, and respect for one another’s learning journeys. Ultimately, my goal is to help students Grow into Greatness by building resilience, thinking critically, and approaching every challenge with a growth mindset that extends far beyond mathematics.
Support Our Faculty:
Mrs. Giulia Gherardi Rodriguez brings creativity, connection, and confidence to every math lesson, inspiring students to see problem-solving as both a challenge and a joy. Her classroom is a place where curiosity thrives and every learner feels capable of success. By supporting The Gulliver Fund, you help passionate educators like Mrs. Gherardi Rodriguez continue empowering students to think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and grow into confident mathematicians—click here to donate.
