Meet Melanie Grindstaff, this week's Staff Spotlight. Mrs. Grindstaff is an 8 grade science and math special education teacher at the Mountain. This is her eighth year at our school. Mrs. Grindstaff loves what she does and her work proves it. 

This year, Mrs. Grindstaff has been helping new special education teachers at our school make a smooth transition to the district and our school.  As such, she has picked up extra responsibilities to assist those she is supporting. Not only has she been directly supporting new teachers, she also has been assisting the student services administrator provide “on the ground” training/support of other team members. She also supports her students during and after school, advocates for her kids, and drafts IEPs/services. Her contributions to her profession are being noticed inside and outside our school. Mrs. Grindstaff doesn't talk much about all she does. She just does it.

Beyond showing her passion for what she does while at work, Mrs. Grindstaff has also continued her own professional growth and development. Currently, she is completing her final course in the Vision Impairment Endorsement program. Mrs. Grindstaff shows commitment to her kids and colleagues, provides leadership to serve where needed, shows integrity to do what is right even when no one else is looking, is mindful of what others are dealing with, and demonstrates balance by investing in both herself and those she serves. Mrs. Grindstaff is one more reason Pine Mountain Middle School is the best place to teach, lead, and learn.