Teacher of the Year Nominee Engages Students at Redwood Elementary

Victoria “Torri” E. Ghrigsby, an English Language Arts teacher at Redwood Elementary School, has been nominated for the prestigious Educator of the Year award. With an impressive 25 years of teaching experience, Ghrigsby has demonstrated a commitment to fostering communication skills among her students, employing innovative teaching methods to engage them effectively.

In her nomination application, Ghrigsby highlighted a standout lesson she uses, known as the “Bucket Filling” lesson. This approach aligns with the district’s focus on the “Leader in Me” habits, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships. Ghrigsby explained, “Through this lesson, students were asked to think of positive attributes about each of their classmates. They were then given the opportunity to ‘fill’ classmates’ emotional buckets with compliments. This lesson allowed for us as a class to have open conversations about what it means to build each other up and how sometimes negative words can affect us.”

Ghrigsby noted a growing concern among educators regarding students’ communication skills, which she attributes to increased screen time. “This activity encouraged students to get up from their desks, move around, and talk to each other,” she said. “Most are so used to letting their thumbs do the talking for them. The smiles and laughter that I saw from this simple lesson, which covered a multitude of skills, was priceless.”

She also acknowledged the dual-edged nature of technology in education. While Ghrigsby recognizes its benefits for research and accessing information, she believes it is crucial for students to learn how to use technology appropriately. “I am a firm believer that learning doesn’t just take place in the four walls of the classroom; staying connected is also about building real relationships,” she emphasized.

To further promote these relationships, Ghrigsby implemented a “Pre-K-6th Grade Buddies” program. This initiative pairs sixth-graders with Pre-K students, allowing older students to mentor younger ones. “Each month since starting school, we have met up with our buddies. We have found this to be extremely rewarding and positive for both the Pre-K and sixth-grade students,” Ghrigsby said. “I have seen so much growth in all the kids. Shy students have found confidence in ways they didn’t even know.”

Data-driven instruction is another cornerstone of Ghrigsby’s teaching philosophy. “As a teacher, I definitely use my students’ data from diagnostic assessments to help develop my instruction and push my students to work towards their goals,” she explained. Ghrigsby encourages her sixth-graders to set personal goals at the beginning of the year, and they track their progress weekly, which fosters a sense of ownership in their learning journey.

One of Ghrigsby’s most impactful success stories involves a student who struggled academically but had dreams of playing football for the LSU Tigers. “I always did my best to validate his dreams and assure him that I would always believe in him,” she recalled. After spending two years with Ghrigsby, the student faced various challenges throughout high school. Ghrigsby maintained contact with his mother during this time, providing encouragement as he navigated his education.

Ultimately, the student graduated through summer school and ventured out into the workforce. “Ten years later, that student is a recent graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps,” Ghrigsby stated proudly. “I had the privilege of him asking me to write to him while he was at boot camp this past summer. When he returned home this Fall, I was invited to lunch with him and his mom.”

Ghrigsby’s dedication and belief in her students have left a lasting impact. “He walked up to me, gave me the biggest hug, and then thanked me for always believing in him and never giving up on him. He said, ‘I did it.’ I said, ‘I never doubted you!’”

The announcement of the Educators of the Year will take place at the Chamber Luncheon on February 18, 2024. The first-place winners in both elementary and secondary categories will each receive a $1,000 prize, courtesy of Ameristar Casino. Two runner-ups will also be recognized, receiving $500 each, sponsored by Mutual Federal Credit Union. Additionally, all nominees will receive gift cards for free sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A, highlighting the community’s support for educators like Ghrigsby.