Education

WorldStrides Teacher of the Year: Foreign Language – Aleena Griffin

Our Program Leaders – your teachers – are the heart and soul behind our programs. It’s the teacher students will remember. This year, for Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked students and parents who have participated in recent WorldStrides programs to nominate their program leaders for WorldStrides Teacher of the Year to honor their hard work and dedication. Each day this week, we will announce a WorldStrides Teacher of the Year.

Our WorldStrides Teacher of the Year: Foreign Language is Aleena Griffin of Eaton High School. Aleena, a Spanish teacher, was nominated by a student who will be traveling to Peru with her on a WorldStrides program.

“I would highly recommend Mrs. Aleena Griffin for the honor of WorldStrides Teacher of the Year. The past two years, I have had Mrs. Griffin as my Spanish teacher, and have learned so much from her about the Spanish language and Latin American culture, as well as life in general. Mrs. Griffin treats her students with a gentleness and understanding that really sets her apart from other teachers. It is clear that she wants the best for her students, and she is always prepared to give us a great experience in class.

“In the two years she has taught me, I have not only been able to learn an immense amount of Spanish writing and speaking skills, but I have also had some of the most fun I have had in school since the days of kindergarten when we colored and sang songs most of the day. Mrs. Griffin understands the value of engagement, and she allows her students to use their individual creativity and have fun. I think Mrs. Griffin has found the secret to creating a long-lasting and impacting educational experience for her students. She has made a subject as difficult as learning a new language more exciting than would be imagined.

“Mrs. Griffin is never condescending and leads by example. She expects no less of herself than she expects of her students and constantly reminds us of the importance of self-respect and kindness towards others. I believe she is the best candidate for WorldStrides Teacher of the Year because of her dedication to the educational success, personal confidence, and citizenship of her students. I am so excited to go to Peru with her, and know that she will be the perfect teacher to travel with to a foreign country. I know she will be organized and enthusiastic for the trip, and that she will guide the group with calmness and sensibility as I see the language and culture of the country she has taught me about come to life.”

Congratulations, Aleena, and thank you for your dedication!