Keeping Up With the Classroom: Patterson’s Christina Pjura

Gilbert Public Schools has welcomed over 200 new teachers and staff members for the 2025-2026 school year, including Patterson’s own Christina Pjura! This season of the district’s Keeping Up With the Classroom series features Mrs. Pjura’s experiences throughout the school year. As the new school year progresses, Mrs. Pjura will share how her move to GPS has created a meaningful impact on her students and classroom. Below is Mrs. Pjura’s excerpt from this year’s first edition of Keeping Up With the Classroom.

Christina Pjura, 4th Grade Teacher at Patterson Elementary
Christina Pjura brings 15 years of teaching experience from all across the country to Patterson Elementary. Having taught in New Jersey and California, she discovered her passion for teaching 4th grade after moving to Arizona. Christina says she loves teaching 4th grade because she feels she can truly connect with students as they grow into themselves.

Since joining Patterson, Christina has felt incredibly welcomed by her new colleagues, who "constantly" check up on her to ensure she's comfortable. She's also said she is impressed with the district's organized online portal, where she can easily access the curriculum. "It's much more organized than anything I've ever been a part of," she shared. This system, combined with a supportive team, has helped her feel prepared and confident, which has enabled her to better relay the information and teach her students.

If she were talking to another new teacher at Patterson Elementary, Christina would say, “You're going to love it here. Everybody's so warm and welcoming." She is particularly excited about the collaborative, hands-on environment of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which allows her to be more creative with her students.