Michelle Graves is a Fair Grove Elementary second grade teacher who has worked at the school for 13 years. Her knowledge and experience is known in Fair Grove, and greatly respected.
Before Graves came to be a Fair Grove elementary teacher, she previously had multiple occupations. Mrs. Graves explained, “I worked in the daycare setting, at a law office, at Hilltop Pizza as an administrative assistant, and as a SPED paraprofessional.”
Graves elaborated on how she became a teacher at Fair Grove. “I was in college getting my general education credits for nursing school, when I was hired for a job as a paraprofessional at EH school. I love being in school with kids. That is when I pursued elementary education.”
Prior to getting her teaching degree Chalise Shockley, elementary curriculum director shared, “I taught kindergarten with Mrs. Graves for 11 years, but also went to school at Fair Grove with her Kindergarten to 12th grade.”
Most teachers have a goal they would like to reach for their students or class. Graves shared her aspirations for the present year. “I am always looking to see what my kids can accomplish personally for them to be successful as they move on to first grade. I also want to make sure they know they are loved.”
Making the classroom environment engaging and overall a positive experience is an important thing for Graves. She elaborated, “I try hard to make learning fun for the littlest learners. If they love learning now, they will have more success later. I know all kids learn differently, so I have become a lifelong learner myself to try and continue to grow as an educator.”
Shockley added onto Grave’s success, “Mrs. Graves creates a structured learning environment where students know what to expect and feel supported in her classroom. She is incredibly organized and always well-prepared. She has an awareness of her classroom and is able to quickly adapt to meet the needs of her students.”
Shockley continued about Graves, “Mrs. Graves’ strong commitment to her students, sets her apart as an educator. She enjoys learning and holds herself to high expectations.” Shockley continued, “Her structured and caring approach to classroom management creates a positive and welcoming first-school experience for many students beginning school for the first time.”
