Jill Grimes has been named Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. Grimes has taught for 11 years, with eight years at North Mitchell County Elementary in Camilla and the past three at Garrison-Pilcher. She teaches first grade.

Grimes was excited to learn she had been chosen.

“I believe we are all lifelong learners,” Grimes said. “I teach my students to take ownership of their learning and to continue to try through their struggles and discomfort. I promise them I will support them through each obstacle they face. As their teacher, I strive daily to not only provide lessons that reach each individual student but to also instill in them the tools they need to take charge of their own learning. I believe a growth mindset is the most powerful thing I can give a child each year.”

The Teacher of the Year is nominated by Garrison-Pilcher’s staff. All finalists are interviewed by former recipients of this award and the final nomination is awarded to the top choice.

“Mrs. Lisa Grimes is an integral part of our staff,” said Principal Sharonda Wilson. “She joined our Garrison-Pilcher family three years ago. She works to reach and teach students through her means of differentiating learning experiences for all students. She has a passion to impact students’ learning as well as their social and emotional well being. Mrs. Grimes deserves to represent Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School as Teacher of the Year”.

Grimes added, “Garrison-Pilcher is home for me. It is where I fell in love with learning as a child. It is where I completed student teaching. Walking back into the front doors three years ago was returning to where it all began. For me, Garrison-Pilcher, Pod C, really is the place to be!”

Grimes is married to Billy Grimes and has two stepchildren, Jacob and Brie.