Erin Gramley – Matt Arthur Elementary

Erin Gramley is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Matt Arthur Elementary School.

Gramley was born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Her father was in the military and was later stationed at Robins Air Force Base. Gramley attended elementary school at Central Fellowship Academy, and then attended Mount De Sales Academy from seventh grade to graduating high school from there in 2007. Gramley then went on to graduate from Macon State College with her bachelor’s degree, Georgia College and State University with her master’s degree, and Piedmont College with her specialist degree. Currently she is working on her doctorate from Piedmont College. Her first teaching position was at Centerville Elementary School for a year and a half, and then was hired on to Matt Arthur Elementary in 2013.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“I started out studying psychology when I was in college. My job during college was working with children, and I just realized I wanted to teach; my mother was a teacher. And until my oldest child was born, my mom was still teaching and then not long after, she retired. She made the biggest impact and my work with children led me in that direction. I still have an interest in psychology, but I’m glad I made the change. It was the right choice for me.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“My mom was actually one of my teachers. She taught me fifth grade at Central Fellowship Academy, and then when I was homeschooled for sixth grade. She is my biggest inspiration. While she taught me two years in school, I’m 29 and still learning from her everyday. Then, my high school psychology teacher took what I was supposed to be learning and turned it into introspection for me. That meant a lot to me as a person, student, and teacher. She taught me that skill, and her name was Jennifer Coleman.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“I love the relationships that I form with the students and their parents. I believe I have taught about 160 students, and that’s 160 people I wouldn’t have met if I wasn’t in this profession. I feel like who I am is a combination of everyone that I have met. They have had such an impact on me; I hope I had that same impact on them. Anyone can teach, but forming that relationship I feel makes a big difference. If the student loves you then they are more than likely to learn from you.”

What is the most challenging part of teaching?

“Not enough time. I wish I could have and spend more time teaching my students because the days just fly by. And I wish there were more funds to go on field trips to explore more.”

Advice to students

“Always, always believe in yourself because part of that introspection, our former principal here he saw some things in myself that I didn’t see, positive things. I feel like students need to look in themselves to find that. If you believe you can, you can do it.”

Advice to parents

“Don’t underestimate the value of talking to your children and reading with your children. Even if it’s reading the signs as you’re driving by because listening is the biggest level of vocabulary. Speaking, reading, and writing vocabulary then builds on each other. It’s so important and will lead to more success later in life.”