Judy Griffin
Morton Jr. High School
Morton, IL

"Learning experiences should challenge ALL students to develop their maximum potential, both as individuals and as part of a team. Instructional methods used in my classroom include activities that require students to collaborate & independently participate in the use of a variety of resources."

"Do you remember the teachers that inspired you to learn beyond the classroom? Well, I think every student that has had her can agree that Mrs. Griffin can really inspire kids, all different ways. I find myself in awe because she leaves you with that feeling that wherever you go you always want to learn, to grow, and to love. Above all, Mrs. Griffin has inspired me to be myself and treat myself with respect."

Technology, language arts, and science are all woven into Judy's Health curriculum. Students use the Internet to analyze their daily food intake and to help them learn to make healthier food choices. Students' parents come into the classroom to do blood pressure screening. This teaches the students how to take a blood pressure reading as part of a self-assessment program that can be applied to their daily lives. One of the student teams' favorite activities is Fly Swatter Review, where they slap at a vocabulary word on the wall when they hear a definition given in class. Making learning relevant to the students' lives is of paramount importance in Judy's lessons, helping them become ingrained in the students' minds and leading students to healthier life-style choices.

Other Highlights:

• Named Health Educator of the Year by the Illinois School Health Association, 2002
• Taught audio-tutorial biology labs to elementary education majors at Bradley University, 1971
• Conducted research for the National Science Foundation at Bradley University, 1970
• Two research projects selected for publication in national science journals, 1970-71
• Presenter at national meeting of American Institute of Biological Scientists, 1970
• Inducted into the Honor Society for Biologists, Sigma Zeta, 1969
• Awarded Recycling Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Community Affairs, 2001
• American Heart Association Illinois Affiliate Development Volunteer of the Year, 1997-1998
• Awarded two district mini-grants to purchase aerobic steps to further develop a performance-based curriculum and assessment rubrics
• Selected by Nutrition Education and Training to pilot a Dietary Guidelines Program that used cooperative efforts of teachers, parents, administrators, and food service personnel to help students learn healthier eating habits
• Awarded Jump Rope for Heart Cardio-Fitness Award by Sportime and the American Heart Association
• Awarded Healthy Me Award for the Exemplary Health Education Program sponsored by Metropolitan Life Foundation, 1986
• Outstanding Teacher by Morton Education Association, 1985
• American Red Cross - Certified First Aid and AIDS Instructor, Past Chairperson of Swim-a-cross
• American Heart Association-Illinois Affiliate Tri-County past Board Member, Chairperson of Education and Community Affairs Committee; Chairperson of Risk Factor Committee
• Charter Member of Morton Drug and Alcohol Task Force, 1990