Students may only be in high school for four short years, but teachers remain at school for the long haul, enabling them to observe changes in education. Ms. Griffin, a long-time teacher in Hidden Valley’s English Department, is ‘graduating’ into retirement at the conclusion of this school year.
Ms. Griffin decided to become a teacher on the recommendation of college counselors. Upon reflecting on her time teaching, she is most proud of “knowing that out there are those students who will say I influenced their [lives].”
Some of the most memorable moments from Griffin’s career were spent as the sponsor for Hidden Valley’s Yearbook and Journalism programs – including our very own Titan Times – which earned recognition from the VHSL trophy class for student academics.
Teaching, as well as learning, has changed in many ways since Ms. Griffin began her career. One increasing influence on education over time has been technology, and more recently artificial intelligence. “Sometimes I have to stop, reflect, and readjust [as] technology comes at us so fast,” Griffin says. To adapt with technology in the classroom, Griffin often builds on older assignments with newer technology involved components; however, she notes, “AI is going to shake curriculum design up… maybe for the better!”
As Ms. Griffin says goodbye to colleagues and students alike, she hopes “to see more innovative professional development and peer collaboration for teachers.” In addition, she hopes for “more career technical education choices for students.”
A major part of working in a school is the encompassing community of students, staff, and teachers. Ms. Griffin urges new teachers to “absorb everything you can from your professional peers – observe them, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to share.” To students Griffin notes that, “education is a choice, educators cannot make a student learn; success comes from the student.”
Hidden Valley has big shoes to fill as Ms. Griffin begins her transition out of the classroom and into the adventures that retirement will bring. As a student of Ms. Griffin, I can say that without a doubt, she teaches a challenging course; however, it is a testament to her strength as an educator that students leave her class having gained greater knowledge and becoming better prepared for their futures. On behalf of myself and the Titan Times – which Ms. Griffin played so great a role in establishing – I wish Ms. Griffin the sincerest of congratulations and happiest of retirements!
