Introduction

Greetings! My name is Michael Grether, and I am the sixth grade social studies teacher for the Monarchs, as well as the LRMS Boys & Girls Track Coach.

I love people. The reason I went into teaching was to be in a job that is "with people, about people and for people." I am also extremely passionate about what I teach. My favorite areas of study are European and Russian history, which is a large focus of our curriculum.

Mission Statement

My mission is to educate the whole child. Each day, I will provide a safe environment for my students to grow, both in their successes and failures. I will be a positive role model, treating each student with respect, seeking to understand before seeking to be understood. I will hold them to high expectations while teaching the tools and skills necessary to achieve them. My mission is to open their minds eye, giving them a new perspective on the world around them.

History

I was born in Tulsa, OK. I have spent time in Michigan, Canada, and various parts of Ohio before moving to Raleigh in 2007. I am the youngest of six children, having 4 brothers and a sister (she rules the roost). I graduated with honors from North Royalton High School (in the suburbs west of Cleveland, Oh). While in high school I was a varsity athlete in cross country, wrestling and track. I also participated in show choir, musical theater, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

I then went to Ohio University (Go Bobcats!) and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Education, and a double minor in History and Political Science. While in college, I was a swing dance instructor, which is how I met the love of my life, Jaimi (who is a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse, as well as an aspiring violinist). We were wed July 09, 2005. In the summer of 2006, I started a web design company called Obsidian Design, with a friend from college. In January, 2007 we moved to Raleigh, NC and in July we moved into our first house. We are also the proud owners of two Yorkshire Terriers, Daisy and Duke. In August, 2008 I completed my Masters of Science from Walden University in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, carrying a 4.0 GPA. We are expecting the arrival of our first child (a girl) in November!

Hobbies/Interests

First and foremost, I am a passionate follower of Christ, and that guides most everything that I do. Less importantly, I am a passionate follower of the Michigan Wolverines, with football being my sport of choice. I also enjoy college football in general. My other hobbies include reading, listening to music, traveling, ultimate Frisbee, and swing dancing.

In 2009, I started my coaching careers with the Girls Track and Field Team. We finished the season as undefeated Conference Champions. I became  a USA Track and Field Certified Coach that summer. In 2010, I coached both the Boys and the Girls track teams. The girls were undefeated conference champions again, while my boys went through some growing pains that should pay off this year.

I have gotten a taste of traveling overseas (Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, UK, Netherlands), and it has left me yearning for more. I hope to make at least one trip out of the country each year, with the next stop being a trip back to England, to further explore the fabulous island.

My favorite movies are Shawshank Redemption and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy (yay for the Hobbit coming out in 2010!... I am also a big fan of the books too). I also enjoy most everything from Pixar.

As for music, I listen to practically everything. But, I refuse to listen to music with inappropriate and vulgar lyrics, no matter what the style.

My favorite restaurants are Chipotle, Firehouse Subs, Pei Wei, and the Melting Pot. My favorite coffee shop is Caribou Coffee (mmm Coffeeeee) as they make the best dark roast coffees on this side of the Atlantic Ocean; namely "Obsidian" and "Mahogany." My favorite store is Barnes and Noble, as I have an insatiable appetite for European and Russian history books and DVDs.

Future Plans

Having finished my Masters in Education, I have turned my attention to a Master's in European History through American Public University. I will also be working on a Master's Certificate in Ancient Classical History. I would like for both of these to be done by yesterday... but since that is not possible. I am extremely excited for the 2011 Track Season, which should feature two of the top track teams in the conference.

Most important, I am looking forward to becoming a father of a (hopefully) healthy, beautiful baby girl this fall.