A New London student teacher takes on a new role as an English Teacher

NEW LONDON – It’s that time of year again, teachers and families are preparing for a new school year. Take some time to get to know the newest teachers to the area.

Jaime Griffis

New London schools welcome Jaime Griffis as the new English teacher for sixth grade and English I classes.

Griffis is not a stranger to New London’s schools. She spent her time student teaching with New London and happily applied for her position when it became available.

As a lover of literature and English, Griffis is excited about her new position.

She grew up in Yarmouth and graduated high school from Mediapolis before going on to achieve her associate’s degree through Southeastern Community College and bachelor’s through Buena Vista University.

Currently, Griffis lives on a small farm filled with goats, chickens, and her family’s dogs with her husband, Luke, and their four children: Shawn, Luke, Hazel, and Anna.

Griffis at School

Do you have any Pinterest worthy ideas you have/will implement?

I wouldn't call them "Pinterest-worthy", but I try to decorate my room to make it feel more comfortable and inviting.

Has there been a teacher that inspired you either as a student or as a school professional?

Many teachers inspired me throughout my life.

To list a few Angela Allsop, John Hunsaker, Nancy Carter, Carol Keller-Hein, and Tiffany Skidmore. These teachers inspired me in different ways.

Some teachers inspired me when it came to the content area of English, while others helped me in the process of growing up and handling life.

How do you show your school spirit?

Supporting the kids in their events.

What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed for class?

Listening to music on the way to school.

In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

Mrs. Lair's English class.

I feel like I would learn even more from her.

Griffis Outside of School

What’s a typical Saturday night like for you?

At home with my family, either playing board games or watching a movie.

What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?

I would love to get a pair of Scottish Highlands eventually.

What is your dream vacation?

We dream of getting the kids to all 50 states one day.

How do you spend your summer breaks?

At the pool, at home, getting ready or being at the fair.

If you won the lottery what would you do?

Save and invest it. Besides that, I would live life like normal.

Griffis and her Students

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Making mistakes is okay, it is what you do with those mistakes that is a big deal.

How do you remember all of your students’ names?

Lots of memorization and learning about their likes/dislikes.

Getting to know the students and them individually makes it easier to remember their names.

What’s a school sport or activity you enjoy watching?

Basketball, Wrestling, Soccer

Bonus Info about Griffis

How do you think students will remember you and your class?

Hopefully, students remember me as a supportive and accepting teacher, who is also a little quirky and odd.

How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?

Not long at all. I think I could handle the survival skills part of it (maybe?). However, the anxiety of trying to stay alive would be a little too much.

In which Hogwarts house would you be sorted?

Gryffindor

If you could grow up in any decade, which would you choose?

That's a tough one. Maybe the 1920s?

What song do you know all the lyrics to?

Probably most of the late 1990- early 2000s hits.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com