Monica Griffey teaches in the Deaf High School at Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB). She expresses delight in her continuously changing academic horizons, and in particular the recent addition of robotics to her plate. Griffey is very active in embedding career and technical education into her curriculum and can be found at Career and Technical Education (CTE) events, working with ozobots! Learn more about this at https://ozobot.com/
How did you get where you are today at FSDB?
A lot of my path was based on chance and faith. I let the needs of the academic departments direct my placements and followed the best I could, learning the new subjects as I went along! The opportunity to teach high school technology has opened doors I never thought possible, like programming (code) that began last year and the robotics program that has just started.
What do you teach, and what are your teaching passions?
I currently teach Digital Information Technology, Programming, and I also supervise students in virtual classes. I am passionate about encouraging my students to succeed in their technology knowledge and usage. I would like to see technology programs at FSDB grow further to provide wonderful and exciting career paths for more of our students.
How did you get interested in robotics?
A miscommunication, an email, and a fun experience! Several people referred to my programming class as a “robotics class.” We use several small robots, but the programming classes are very different than those that involve proper robotics. Then I got an email about a new robotics program for deaf and hard of hearing students. I was curious and replied, which led to a weekend training session at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and the Blind (AIDB). I had so much fun and knew our students would too. So here I am, a robotics coach!
What do you enjoy about teaching students?
I love seeing my students grow and become successful! That has meant different things through the years from teaching students with special needs to my current position in the Deaf High School. However, the pride in reaching goals is always the same heartfelt experience. It is a continuous cycle of setting goals, achieving those goals, and raising the bar to do it all again! It’s wonderful to see our students do great things!
What do you like to do outside of the classroom?
Outside the classroom my main hobby is photography. I haven’t taken as much time to enjoy capturing the moment as I would like this year, but there are still plenty of opportunities! I also enjoy reading, painting, and crafts, as well as playing with my two cats. Outside the classroom, I enjoy learning and improving my technology, programming, and robotics skills.
Submitted by Christi Boortz, Instructional Services Department
About FSDB The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdbk12.org.
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