Walking into Rebecca Gambardella’s classroom at Nonnewaug High School feels less like entering a required English class and more like stepping into an episode of Reading Rainbow where creativity and comfort take center stage. Since first arriving at Nonnewaug in 2009 and returning again in 2019 after spending eight years as a stay-at-home mom, Gambardella has built a reputation as a teacher who makes learning meaningful, memorable, and genuinely enjoyable.
Rebecca Gambardella teaches freshman English across college prep, honors, and Scope English–Nonnewaug’s alternate education program. No matter the level, her goal remains the same: learning should be fun.
Gambardella says, “If you make something terrible, no one wants to do it. And if I make it fun, people will want to learn instead of being resistant to my class.”
One of her most talked about lessons involves “fluff,” both literal and figurative. She brings actual fluff into the classroom to teach students about the precision of language.
“Fluff is language that has no meaning or is disingenuous,” Gambardella explains. “You don’t want unnecessary filler. It’s good in small doses, but not as a meal.”
Fellow teacher Katy Aseltine notes that students are unlikely to forget it, recalling how Mrs. Gambardella even played “I Don’t Want No Fluff” during the lesson.
Former students describe her classroom as welcoming and uplifting. Greta Addeo, who had Gambardella for freshman English, says, “She made every lesson fun, and she made her classroom super comfortable. No one was worried about speaking.” She adds, “Whenever I see her, she just brightens my mood.” Leah Dorsey elaborates, saying, “She was super cheerful about everything… we had more freedom for creative liberty.”
Current students agree that her personality shapes the learning environment. Honors student Sean Addeo admits that while English itself may not always be his favorite subject, “Mrs. G makes learning fun. Her assignments are fun and good for learning. The environment is relaxing aswell.” He adds that she is “nice, caring…just likeable. She’s a person you can’t be mad at.”
Gambardella’s impact extends beyond students. Colleagues frequently praise her creativity and patience. Mrs. Brenner describes her as “a kind, compassionate, patient teacher,” noting that her classroom runs “smooth and flowy.” Ms. Lockwood calls her “an inspiration,” adding that “she encourages students to feel comfortable being themselves and expressing themselves.” Mrs. White mentions her willingness to take risks, saying, “She’s so creative. She comes up with different ideas every year to get kids involved.”
Through humor, creativity, and a genuine care for her students, Rebecca Gambardella has made English class something students look forward to. Whether through fluff lessons or simply a smile at the door, she continues to prove that when students feel supported and engaged, learning follows naturally.
