Lisa Griffith, first grade teacher at Cordell Elementary is a fun and vibrant addition to the lives of many students. Her passion for teaching and love for her students is apparent. Thank you for caring so much for your students! Read more below on just why Mrs. Griffith was chosen as this week’s Cordell Blue Devil Faculty Spotlight.
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Who you are, what you do, how long have you worked here?
I have a big family. I am married to Jonathan Griffith and we have been married for 37 years. We have four daughters. Our first daughter is Michelle. Michelle and her husband Roland live in Billings, Montana and they have four boys. Second is Stephanie and she lives in Weatherford with her husband. Third is Chelsey and her husband Max live in Calera with their 6-month-old baby boy, Maxx Fore. Fourth is Shelby and her husband, Wyatt. They are currently in California with their 1-month-old baby girl named Henlee. A little about myself is that I love spending time making memories with my family. My daughters attended and graduated from Cordell. So much gratitude and respect goes to the teachers and faculty that that had a huge part into what my children are today. So with that, teaching at Cordell Elementary has been my dream job, I wanted to invest into the lives of children that were placed in my care. I want them to know the sky’s the limit and that if they can dream it and believe it, that with hard work and dedication they can achieve it. This is my third year teaching first grade at Cordell Elementary.
What are some things you are looking forward to for this school year?
I’m looking forward to getting back to the normal, to make learning fun as we make some wonderful first grade classroom memories as well as getting to do the extras like the Christmas Program, etc.
What is it that got you to want to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I love children. I enjoy watching them grow and learn new things. Everyone is different and learns in different ways. To teach them the way they learn best and creating a safe place for each of them is very important.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part is simply the kids. Seeing their smiles and hearing their greetings to all their friends. Seeing the light bulb go off when they learn something new. Seeing their eyes light up and the excitement on their faces is priceless.
What motivates you?
The kids are my motivation. Making sure that I have done all I can to have them ready with the skills and knowledge to go to the next level. I want them confident, prepared and ready.
What have been some notable moments during your time teaching thus far?
There are so many notable moments, but seeing students showing acts of kindness to others when they think no one is looking. Seeing them succeed and being successful, passionate, confident learners. It is very rewarding to see how much they grow and learn in the nine months of teaching them.
When you are not teaching, how do you like to spend your free time?
Spending time with my family watching movies, cooking and playing games is the best.
We’re about four months into the school year, how has it been so far?
This year is going great! We are returning back to some normalcy as we do our best cleaning and disinfecting consistently. Being able to participate in the Homecoming Parade was just one of the highlights so far. The children love being at school and seeing all their friends.
Compared to this time last year, with having to deal with the midst of the pandemic, how has the start of this year been?
Last year was very challenging to say the least but this year… has been a breeze! Away with the masks and the students being able to play with their peers again is priceless.