Brandon Twp.-Whether teaching students fire safety, math or reading—when the light goes on in young minds, Nancy Griest is still thrilled even after 25 years.
“When students figure out what you’re talking about, it’s the reason I teach,” said Griest, who was honored by the Brandon School Board on Dec. 8, following her retirement at the end of the 2003 school year.
Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Nancy married Richard Griest in 1966. In 1975 she earned a BA in teaching from the university of Miami of Ohio in Oxford, Ohio and in 1982 a Master’s in Reading from Oakland University in Rochester, MI.
Nancy and Richard have two sons, Michael, a teacher at Brighton Middle School and Geoffrey, a Computer Programer in Sterling Heights, MI.They also have six grandchildren.
In 25 years in the Brandon District, Nancy worked at the Brandon High School Cafeteria, Belle-Anne, HT Burt and began at Harvey Swanson when it first opened. She has taught first, second, fourth and fifth grades in all three Brandon Elementary Schools.
Harvey-Swanson Principal Helen Clemetsen who has worked with Nancy for nearly all of years in the district says she’ll be missed.
“Knowledge is power and Nancy had knowledge about every student,” said Clemetsen. “She was an advocate for children and a great colleague. A very resourceful teacher.”
In the mid-1980s, Nancy along with Brandon Assistant Fire Chief David Borst taught a fire safety program titled “Learn not to Burn.” The program introduced elementary students to fire safety and included a trip to Brandon Fire Department.
“Kids have changed through the years,” says Griest. “The advent of the computer and the lack of paper and pencil have kids wanting things to happen real fast. It’s become more difficult to keep their attention.”
Griest plans on working in her garden, sewing and will eventually work as a tutor in a few years.