Photos by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor
Danielle Grosos grew up in Dearborn Heights, the daughter of Mark and Anita Griffin. During high school, she worked for Dearborn Heights 20th District Court and thought about becoming a criminal psychologist. But after she had an experience in a special education classroom in high school, she developed a passion for teaching. In high school, she wrote an essay that awarded her the Future Teacher Scholarship award by Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). Grosos went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University. After her first year of teaching in a charter school, she decided that she should also get a certification in special education.
Grosos has worked for Ann Arbor Public Schools for seven years—the entire time as a Resource Room teacher at Pattengill Elementary.
Grosos and her husband, who just moved into a new home in Brownstown, have two daughters. Madelynn is a second grader at Wegienka Elementary School and Sadie s in preschool. They also have a Boston terrier named Molly.
Photos by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor
What inspired you to become a teacher? My third grade teacher who worked with me on her own time to help improve my reading skills inspired me to become a teacher.
Describe an average workday. My day starts out with getting two kids of my own off to two different schools and then I drive into Ann Arbor from Brownstown. In the Resource Room, my day is filled with pushing into classrooms to help support students needs and also pulling students out for math, reading, and writing support in a small group setting. I am also the lead teacher in the building when Principal Melita Alston is out, so that has helped develop my leadership skills. Each day is filled with new opportunities that shape my learning and growth as an educator.
What are your favorite memories of elementary school? My favorite memory of elementary school is having family dinners on Wednesday night at my grandparent’s house.
What was always written on your report card in grade school? Teachers would always write that I was a hard worker who cared about my classmates.
What advice would you give to a first-year teacher? Don’t give up. And remember we were all in your shoes at one time, so talk to other teachers that do the same job as you.
Favorite websites: TeachersPayTeachers, MobyMax, and Superteacher.
The app you can’t live without: Epic.
Three favorite devices: iPhone, iPad, and laptop.
How do you stay organized? I am a super organized person and like everything to have its own place. I also use a to-do list to help complete my daily tasks.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager? I still like to use paper and pencil to create my to-do list and also have one on my phone that I can look at when I am at home.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching? I love having a positive effect on my students and building relationships that support their learning.
What has surprised you most about the profession? Teaching is always changing, and in turn, I am always learning new skills to help my students grow.
What do you wish everyone realized about the work of a teacher? Teaching is not a 9-to-5 job, and is very physically, intellectually and emotionally demanding. Also, most teachers have a second job during the summer.
How do you recharge? I recharge by spending time with my family, entertaining friends and shopping.
What is unique about teaching at Pattengill? Pattengill is a 3-5 school with Bryant Elementary School being the K-2 school. The super pair gives both schools diversity unlike any other school within Ann Arbor Public Schools. We draw from several areas in southern Ann Arbor, including Briar Hill, Briarwood, Bryant, Georgetown, Lake Forest, Oak Meadows, Pattengill, Stonebridge, Stone School, Valley Ranch, and Weatherstone neighborhoods, creating a diverse and culturally rich community.
Wonderful article! Danielle has always been an inspiration to all who know and love her.