A 7th-grade teacher at Griffin Middle School was recently presented with a $500 check for supplies for his classroom and students. Bartlett Heating and Cooling sponsored the contest and invited the community to nominate their "Favorite Teacher." Clint Podell—a veteran teacher with 14 years at Griffin—was the winner.
"Mr. Podell is an exceptional teacher our students absolutely love," said Griffin Principal Loralee Hill. "He is an exemplary social studies teacher as well as our Seventh Grade Level Lead and Gifted Lead. He also serves on our building leadership team and is very involved in our community."
Principal Hill mentioned that Mr. Podell's name is heard year after year as a favorite teacher of both students and parents. He has a passion for teaching and has high expectations in the classroom. He also supports his current and former students outside the classroom by attending many extracurricular events like concerts, talent shows, musicals, and sporting events.
"We are so very fortunate to have Mr. Podell at Griffin. He makes everyone’s day a little brighter with his positive attitude and big smile. His impact is immeasurable, as he is an excellent role model for our students and staff. His students know without a doubt he truly cares about them and believes in them," Principal Hill said proudly.
A parent of one of Mr. Podell's former students agreed. "I had heard about the legendary 'Podell' for many years, and when my daughter finally made it to seventh grade, she had a great year in his class. He gets kids engaged and interested in learning by showing them that he genuinely cares about them as individual people. Kids want to do well because he invests so much time and energy in them—from both the academic and the social-emotional side—which is so important in middle school. I'm so thrilled that he won!"
Congratulations to Mr. Podell for being selected as Bartlett's "Favorite Teacher!" His example and leadership contribute greatly to student success at Griffin Middle School.
"He has served our community as a teacher at Griffin for 14 years, and we hope he will for at least another 14!" Principal Hill concluded with a smile.
