Kindergarten is a whimsical time in every child’s journey where a teacher molds a foundation for a lifetime of learning. Jody Greer, a beloved kindergarten teacher at Crisman Elementary School, knows the importance of cultivating a conducive learning environment and collaborating with a team of committed educators.
“The students inspire me to keep going,” said Greer. “I have a passion for teaching, and I love what I do.”
Greer is a native of the South Haven area and received her high school diploma from Portage High School. Following graduation, she pursued elementary education at Ball State University.
“Education has always been an important part of my family,” said Greer. “My mom was always involved in our education, as she was an assistant and computer coordinator at an elementary school. I used to play school with my sister when I was young. I always had a hard time in actual school, so I wanted to be there for kids who were like me. I wanted to help kids learn to love school and not struggle.”
After obtaining her degree, Greer entered the disorienting world of job searching. Though initially not having much luck, Crisman Elementary School would provide her first full-time role as a kindergarten teacher. For the first couple years of her occupational journey, she delegated her time between a half-day kindergarten at Crisman and a half-day at George L Myers Elementary School. She later moved to full-time at Crisman and is now proud to be in her 18th year of teaching.
“When I first started teaching, we had a class, a lunch break, and then a different set of kids would come in,” said Greer. “Now, I have my kids from the time they arrive to when they leave. I am usually the first one in the parking lot. I like to be able to have my things ready for the day and be able to make copies when nobody else is there.”
Each day from 7:55 a.m. to 2:05 p.m., Greer teaches all subjects to her kindergartners. She integrates literary stations for small-group reading opportunities and end-of-the-day centers to allow students exploration time. The setup of Crisman Elementary is a unique, open concept that proves to be an ideal asset. The school’s open floor plan allows teachers and students to unite as a great community.
“At first, it can be distracting, but it is kind of neat,” said Greer. “My room is a little different from other grades because the kindergarten room has a middle room within. There are no walls separating the classes. I think the setup helps build collaboration, and the students are so comfortable and functional.”
Greer exudes pride in her Portage community and her colleagues. Alongside her time in the classroom, she often spends time after school meeting for extracurriculars and clubs, including Student Council and Garden Club. She also takes delight in her involvement with South Haven Lions Club and assists with various local projects and charities.
“The Lions Club is really known for their sight work, such as for the blind and for the people who need to get glasses,” said Greer. “We also do a lot of work in our community especially for families in need at Christmas time. For one of our big projects, we give them boxes of food, gift certificates, and items for a Christmas meal. Everything is donated from South Haven Public School and Paul Saylor Elementary School.”
In light of the new school year, Greer is excited to meet and make connections with all the new students. She is thrilled to find out how each student’s summer went and is excited to spend the rest of her own summer break in relaxation.
“I grew up in Portage and had a lot of teachers help me become the person I am,” said Greer. “I want to be able to give back to this community and Crisman specifically. I love the teachers that I work with. I also have an amazing assistant, Stephanie Kirschbaum, who makes my job easier. We work well together and my Kindergarten team has become my second family.”