Donna Wiley nominated Jacob Gregg for Class Acts. Wiley said Gregg has a positive effect on his students and builds self-esteem. He makes learning fun and will act out the characters of a book when reading to the class. Wiley also said that because of Gregg's positive influence, her grandson has been able to move into the transition class.
Why did you get into teaching? I knew that I always wanted to work with youth. My undergraduate work was in school counseling. After getting the opportunity to be a substitute teacher, I was hooked.
What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? I love motivating kids to give their best, but my favorite is to make them laugh. I am blessed to do this alongside an incredible team of people that inspire me on a daily basis (Thank you, Jen, Subbie, Mina, Pam, Nancy, Anne, Leah, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Satruba, Jasmine, Holly and Mariza).
What is the most challenging part of your job? Finding a balance of giving all I can while saving what I've got for my kids at home.
Favorite teaching tool or activity in the classroom: Teaching social skills through role play activities.
What's next in your classroom? Letters and care packages to soldiers in Iraq.
Advice for new teachers: Always model respect and never demand it. Love, laugh, then learn.
Advice for students: Give your best so you can expect the best.
Advice for parents: Encourage your child's teacher. A few kind words can go a long way.
Future plans: I would love to pay off my student loans and work a full-time ministry with my church.
How do you reach students not interested in school? Build a relationship and find a common interest between the student and myself. The students' self-esteem is my No. 1 priority.
What would surprise people about your job? How much I learn from the kids. They have such perseverance and are so resilient.
What did you do on your summer vacation? Celebrated my 10-year anniversary with my beautiful, loving wife in the coastal mountains of Point Reyes.
COMPILED BY JILLIAN HANKS, BEE NEWSROOM ASSISTANT
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