Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name: Jacob Grasley

School: Niles High School

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught:  Biology and AP Biology

Where did you attend college? Albion College

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school?  This is my 14th year teaching and my seventh year at Niles High School.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I was always interested in biology and teaching seemed like a natural avenue for what I wanted to do.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? I love the outdoors so I spend time fishing, hunting, camping, boating, traveling, and competitive shooting.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? I graduated from a class of 26 students.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? The Lorax due to the following quote.

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies? They were pretty much the same as they are today.  (see the above list)

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality? I’m quiet, professional, and knowledgeable.

Who is your biggest role model and why? My sister.  We lost her to cancer, but in the time that she was fighting the disease she taught my whole family “life lessons” that we may have never learned otherwise.

How has education changed in the last 10 years? Technology, expectations, and in some cases how we do our jobs.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? Take part in their lives and show interest in what they want to do.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… To never give up and keep pushing regardless of what the challenge may be.

This picture was taken during spirit week.