Killbuck Savings Bank Co. Superstar on Staff: Dalton STEAM teacher believes she has ‘best job in the world’
Laura Grimm
Reason for nomination: Laura Grimm makes science fun for nine different grade levels! She plans and teaches engaging lessons with hands-on activities. She sets high expectations for her students, and helps students see different fields of science that may interest them. Thank you for making science fun, Mrs. Grimm!
What do you love about working at Dalton Local Schools?
I have the best job in the world. I get the opportunity to come to a clean, state-of- the-art school building every day and teach a subject I love to enthusiastic children. Teaching STEAM to students in grades kindergarten through eighth gives me a unique perspective. I have the opportunity to witness how hard everyone works to provide creative and meaningful lessons for all students. The camaraderie and cooperation among teachers and staff is positive and real. The “Kindness” initiative has made this a pleasant place to work and learn.
I’ve experienced nothing but support from the administration and the community. The administration supported my idea of starting a STEAM (Science, Technol-ogy Engineering, Arts, and Math) elective for 8th grade students at the old middle school. We were one of the first school districts in Wayne County to have a STEAM program. It was new and different. Dalton now has STEM/STEAM education for all students K-12. I am forever grateful that they encouraged the development of this program. With major support from the community, we planned and built an awesome greenhouse. It is such a pleasure teaching students the joy of working in the dirt and growing a wide variety of plants. I feel respected, supported, and valued by the school district, students and the community. I truly feel part of a winning team. It is fun to come to work. I am proud to be a Dalton Bulldog!
How did you get to where you are today (education/ experience/inspiration)?
After majoring in Biology at the College of Wooster, I received a Master of Science degree in Plant Pathology from the Ohio State University. I worked as a plant pathologist (someone who helps farmers with plant diseases) for Ohio State and the Univer-sity of Idaho for 7-plus years. After my children were born, I went back to school to become a teacher. I have worked as a 3rd, 5th, 7th/8th grade (Science), and now the STEAM teacher for 24 years. My love of space sciences came from Mr. Roth, my 4th grade teacher. Both of my parents were educators, they inspired me to become a teacher.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that people may be surprised to hear.
I love music! I play violin in a local folk orchestra and I was a dancer with the Cedar Valley Cloggers for 12 years.
Staff member of the week sponsored by:
