The many pursuits of Tarryn Bronikowski, from architecture to banking to education | Humans of Catlin Gabel

By Evan Zhang ‘26

Photo courtesy of Catlin Gabel School (CGS)

The life of new Upper School math teacher Tarryn Bronikowski has been filled with pivots, moves, and adventures on the road to achieving the pipe dream. Her multi-faceted journey traces back to a place just outside San Francisco, California, where she grew up.

As a child, Bronikowski wanted to explore it all. At first, her mind was set on being a professional softball player, though that fantasy “crashed and burned real quick.” Those dashed hopes did not deter her from pursuing other hobbies, however.

When she entered high school, Bronikowski developed a different interest: architecture. “Something about it just fascinated me, along with photography,” she explained. Thus, the idea of traveling around the world, and having the opportunity to witness the landmarks and sights of various nations and cultures, appealed to her greatly.

Simultaneously, Bronikowski found success as a math tutor for her peers, an activity that perhaps foreshadowed a future lifelong career. In fact, her gig of part-time tutoring was also her first high school job. “It was nice to make some money on the side, but it was actually something I really enjoyed,” she reflected on the experience.

Following her graduation, Bronikowski went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Oregon, despite initially believing that she would major in accounting. After working in compliance for a few years at Umpqua Bank, she quickly realized that “sitting behind a desk was not…my cup of tea.” 

While she enjoyed many aspects of the bank culture, which included a paid forty hours of community service each year, she eventually decided to return to her roots in math. 

“My mom actually went back to school when she was an adult,” Bronikowski shared, recalling that her mother encouraged her to do the same and practice teaching full-time.

Taking the advice to heart, Bronikowski would attend graduate school at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, in order to teach middle and high school level math. She began at the International School of Beaverton, where she taught seventh, tenth, and eleventh grade and covered subjects such as Algebra 2 and IB math.

Then, Bronikowski moved to Austin, Texas to work at the Stephen F. Austin High School, where she stayed on for six years. Similarly, her course roster included Algebra, as well as a “college-level precalculus class.” 

There, she was introduced to the world of progressive education. Since the high school was affiliated with the University of Texas, students were able to receive college credit for their classes. Furthermore, Bronikowski found the school’s system of inquiry-based learning to be “very unique,” and likewise “what originally drew me to Catlin.”

Now, as an Algebra 2 and Precalculus teacher at CGS, she enjoys the opportunities that her current environment has to offer. “Everyone is just so willing to learn,” Bronikowski observed thoughtfully, adding that “it’s like a small family here.” A month in, she feels welcomed by the community, even if there are some things that will take a little getting used to.

At first, the norm of students calling teachers by first name struck Bronikowski as odd, although she has mostly adjusted to the change. Additionally, much of the CGS-specific language (e.g., “the Black Box”) has been confusing at times. “I’ve pulled the ‘I’m new here’ card a lot,” she joked.

Bronikowski is also excited to partake in the clubs on campus in the future, while saving space for her personal life too. With a husband and 15-month-old daughter at home, along with two huskies, Bronikowski spends much of her free time living out her inner child, as she describes it. 

Moreover, her past passions of volunteer work and photography are still alive and thriving. 

In high school, Bronikowski was a member of the National Charity League, a non-profit service organization led by mothers and their daughters, and she participated in the University of Oregon’s Greek program during her college years. “I’ve been volunteering forever,” she remarked. In terms of photography, her latest fixation has been pictures of landscapes.

Entering her first year in the Upper School, Bronikowski is filled with many varied emotions: appreciation, curiosity, and occasional bewilderment in regards to CGS lingo. Nevertheless, joy seems to be the most prominent. “I’m really excited to be here, and I’m really excited to dive in…it’s been a joy so far.”