Stone Academy Fifth Grade Teacher Jillian Grimsley Named POP! Teacher of the Year
Jillian Grimsley, fifth grade teacher at Stone Academy of Communication Arts, has been named the Peace Center’s POP! Teacher of the Year for 2012-2013. Miss Grimsley has been an active participant over the past three years in the Peace Center's professional development programs for teachers, where educators train with professional artists in practical, effective strategies for integrating drama, poetry, dance, visual art and music into teaching all subject areas. She has mastered these strategies and continuously inspires her students through engaging the arts in her classroom, inviting artists to join her for residency work and encouraging the creative process with her students.
Each year, the Peace Center's Education and Outreach Department recognizes a local teacher who shares in the values of keeping the arts and creativity alive for students of all ages. When material is presented in creative ways, students make meaningful connections to the curriculum and become actively engaged learners and thinkers. The annual Peace Outreach Program (POP!) Teacher of the Year is committed to keeping imagination alive in his or her classroom by experiencing and advocating for the performing arts and arts education.