Vanessa Griffin

Skilled educator with strong focus on English Language Arts instruction. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environment and driving student achievement. Effective at adapting to changing needs, ensuring reliable support for colleagues and students. Proficient in curriculum development, classroom management, and integrating technology into lessons.

• Improved student performance by an average of "F" to an "A" by revamping approach.
• Commended for exemplary teaching and service to students.
• Spearheaded extra-curricular group focused on good behavior & academics.
• Taught over 3,000 students over 18 years.
• Directed assessment training which focused on ELA & Reading strategies.
• Documented and resolved behavior issues which led to growth on the bi-weekly and benchmark assessments.

• Performance Based License - 3 years
• Certified 5th grade ELA teacher at Ruleville Central Elementary School - 2024-current
• ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Public Speaking are subjects I have been qualified and certified to teach.

I was chosen as the Teacher of the Year at D.M. Smith in 2021 because I was recognized and celebrated for outstanding teaching excellence and dedication to student success. The award acknowledges a teacher's exceptional impact on students, my commitment to the profession, and my support and contributions to the school and community. It's a way to highlight the importance of teaching and inspire other educators. I was chosen through a multi-step process that involves state-level selections and a national final selection. State-level programs typically involve nominations, applications, and selection committees comprised of administrators, teachers, and professional organization representatives. From the state-level winners, a national selection committee then chooses finalists based on written applications and interviews. The final selection is made by a committee of representatives from national education organizations.