WWEA's November Educator Spotlight

The Wheaton Warrenville Education Association (WWEA) would like to introduce Mr. Robert Griegoliet, an 11 year science, math, and special service educator at Wheaton North High School in District 200. in District 200. Mr. Griegoliet has experience teaching multiple academic levels in Algebra, Geometry, and Physics. In addition to his role as an educator, Mr. Griegoliet sponsored the Set and Technology Crew. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois as a Learning Behavior Specialist and a Master’s degree from Concordia University in Instructional Technology. Mr. Griegoliet has earned numerous achievements in his preparation and career as an educator:

1. Student Excellence Foundation grant winner, Maker Space/3D Printer (2018)
2. National Energy Education Development Project's Youth Awards Program Keynote Speaker (2017, 2018)
3. Student Excellence Foundation’s Distinguished Teacher Award (2016)
4. Google Instructional Technology Certification (2016)
5. Donors Choose Grant - Backchanneling: An Open Physics Discussion (2012)
6. 2 New 200 Foundation grants for projector and Smartboard installation (2009, 2011)
7. “Picture This…Film Festival” Educational Winner – “I am a Child with Autism.” (2008)

Mr. Griegoliet was born to be a teacher. Both of his parents were educators, which led to his deep appreciation for education. Throughout high school, he volunteered with disability service groups and as a special education teacher’s assistant. During college, he worked as a teen day camp and science camp counselor. Mr. Griegoliet stated, “I’ve been teaching my whole life and loving every minute of it.” Teaching was the next logical step for him. When asked what being a teacher meant to him, he responded with “I have a chance to prepare students for the future. I take that challenge seriously. It's not enough to prepare them with the expectations and values of my generation, but the needs and skills of future generations.”

Mr. Griegoliet’s favorite memory as a teacher was when he decided to experiment with cross-curricular maker education. He developed a roller coaster unit that crossed between Physics and English. He explained that “students in the classes were students with learning disabilities, but they were up for the task of prototyping, decorating, and explaining the science and history of a new roller coaster. A student who had not expressed interest in physics all school year suddenly took control of his group and developed and explained the physics of roller coaster. I knew I had something engaging at that moment.”

One of Mr. Griegoliet’s greatest accomplishments has been collaborating with teachers to revise their views on methods like classroom structure (the flipped classroom), retake policies, and maker education. He encourages educators and community members to observe his direct level physics class and the I-Level physics classes taught by Wheaton North's physics PLC.

Thank you, Mr. Robert Griegoliet, for supporting students across all levels and content areas. Your drive to improve education is enlightening, and we are grateful for your efforts.