Written by Michael Pineda
mpineda@cherryroad.com
If Crystal Garrison had her way, several teachers would have been named this year's Lone Grove Teacher of the Year.
But when the announcement was made during halftime of a high school basketball game, there was no debate as to whether she really deserved it.
This middle school and elementary school music teacher was honored for the passion and creativity she brings to the classroom. Garrison, a Lone Grove graduate, grew up in a family of teachers.
“Crystal Garrison is currently working as an elementary and intermediate music teacher and is doing a great job,” said Lone Grove Superintendent Meri Jayne Miller. “MS. Garrison's notoriety was notoriety to me even before she was hired at Lone Grove, as I have received positive reviews for her teaching style and the unique way she reaches students through the medium of music instruction.” Because I heard the explanation.
“All of Lone Grove's students are hooked on her magic of learning, incorporating threads of the core curriculum into each day's lessons. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Garrison as part of our Lone Grove Public School family. Masu.”
educational background
Ms. Garrison graduated from Lone Grove in 1998 and taught at two different schools before returning home in 2012. As Garrison considered her future, she said her family influenced her educational choices.
“My mother was a teacher and my uncle was a teacher,” she said. “Many in my family were teachers, and my girlfriend's mother was a kindergarten teacher, so I always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I loved working on bulletin boards and helping her in her room. I loved it.
“And then I went to high school and there was Wes Singleton, and he was the greatest music teacher ever. He's in Edmond now and doing great things. He gave me voice lessons starting at age 12. Once I started teaching, I just fell in love with music and knew I wanted to be a music teacher.”
Combining his love for music and his love for children, Garrison began his education as an elementary school music teacher.
make music an experience
The student experience is one of the most important aspects of education for Garrison. This is demonstrated in the elementary plays she herself wrote to ensure all children were involved.
“What I was buying has five stars,” she said. “I want my child to have a line, and you want your child to have a line. So I just started writing my own play.”
Garrison said she focuses on making the plays comical so that the families and friends who come to see them can enjoy them. She also makes sure each student who wants a line speaks at least one of her lines during the performance.
Puppets are also a big part of Lone Grove Elementary School music. Young students can get distracted in the classroom, but with the help of puppets such as Monkey Puppet Cock, students stay focused. The mirror ball will help encourage the child to take action and once the goal is achieved, there will be a disco time where he will dance for 10 minutes to fun music.
“I love it when they get excited and come to my room,” she said. “They come and hug me and ask, 'What are we doing today?' They're smiling and excited. That's what I like.
“They actually enjoy it and it's not monotonous work. They're so excited and want to come to my class multiple times a week.”
humble honor
While Garrison is naturally happy and honored to win Teacher of the Year, she also feels there were several deserving candidates throughout the district.
“When I found out I was nominated, I knew we had another phenomenal intermediate teacher,” Garrison said. She said, “She voted for her because she thinks it's wrong to vote for her.”
Garrison was named Intermediate Teacher of the Year, moving on to the district level, where there are once again more deserving candidates.
“I was excited, but at the same time I was like, I wish everyone could have this, not just me, because I see all the effort they put into this. ” Garrison said.
It's great to be recognized for excellence, but recognition for great work comes in many forms and is just as meaningful to Garrison. There was a moment recently when one of the district's cafeteria employees came up to Garrison and told her how much her children loved music. Garrison said moments like that mean just as much to her as winning the Teacher of the Year award.
“Every time I hear how much kids love my class, it makes my heart happy and energizes me,” she said. “Whenever I have kids around, they always tell me how much they love music and pull out cards for me. The other day, a kid made me a bracelet that said, 'Music, Mrs. G, I love you.' There was. It's little things like that that really keep me going. ”
There's no place like home
Garrison taught at two other schools before returning home in 2012. Although she has had other opportunities, such as working from home, she feels she loses a part of herself outside of the Grove classroom.
“This is who I am and this is my job,” Garrison said.
Garrison also said that while she has loved the other schools she has taught at, the support and camaraderie among the staff at Lone Grove is what makes the district special.
“We are friends,” she said. “We support each other. I think you can go to either student with tears in your eyes and say that you are struggling with this student and we support each other. I am.”
Garrison described a culture of trust within the system and talked about the bond that allows other teachers to come into her room, sit on her couch and pray with her.
“We just have that kind of bond, a family bond,” Garrison said. “So this is my home.”
2024 District Honor Award
- District Teacher of the Year – Crystal Garrison
- High School Teacher of the Year – Michael Cathy
- Middle School Teacher of the Year – Linda Bowman
- Intermediate Teacher of the Year – Crystal Garrison
- Elementary School Teacher of the Year – Sarah Gunter
- District Support Employee of the Year – Natalie Caldwell
- Support Staff Middle School Finalist – Michelle Lopez
- Support Staff Middle School Finalist – Xavier Akins
- Support Staff Elementary School Finalist – Natalie Caldwell
