Each year teachers are challenged with educating, inspiring and shaping students in the classroom. According to The Department of Education and Workforce, “On average a teaching job spans around 10 years.” With this statistic only decreasing every year, teaching has become a much-needed occupation for the next generation. One member of the Plain Local community has been a cornerstone and example of consistency in teaching.
This year will mark the 50th anniversary of Paul Granchi’s teaching career within the Plain Local School District. Granchi taught social studies courses including sociology and psychology at the high school from 1979-2011. Granchi now is a substitute teacher in the district and even mows GlenOaks lawn.
Before his start at GlenOak, Granchi attended Akron University with hopes of becoming a businessman. During his sophomore year, he decided that he wanted to switch his major to education.
“It may sound crazy but I think it was the result of a movie I saw in 1967 called To Sir, With Love which is based on a man with an engineering degree taking on teaching and transforming his class from rebellious young teenagers to responsible young adults,” Granchi said.
Granchi’s goal has never been about the money or fame in the district, but about the impact he can make in each and every student’s life.
“Never underestimate the impact you have on so many of your students,” Granchi said. “I would advise young teachers to maintain a positive attitude toward the class because students usually pick up on your attitude towards them.”
This philosophy is something that Granchi lives by, not only during his preliminary teaching years in the district but also through his substitute teacher position which he has held after retirement.
Through his years of teaching, Granchi has seen many changes through students and resources. With these changes comes an awareness and new perspective that Granchi holds towards his students.
“Every generation exhibits a rebellious nature as they seek to answer the questions of, who am I? What are my beliefs? Where do I fit into today’s world? What is my future?” Granchi said.
Through this added perspective, Granchi has built deeper relationships with students and is an active member of the community as well. Whether it is attending the arts performances, athletics, school dances or academic ceremonies, Granchi never fails to support the next generation.
“I think attending extracurricular events can help establish relationships with students, and most appreciate the support and compliments from their performances,” Granchi said.
Granchi’s character has been described as fun, diverse and most importantly consistent. His years teaching at GlenOak demonstrate his commitment to past and present students and teachers. One of these teachers is Megan Leatherman, Granchi’s replacement, teaching AP and IB psychology at the high school.
“He is always someone you can count on and doesn’t take life too seriously,” Leatherman said. “Granchi is a pillar of Plain having been an integral part of the community for half a century,”
Granchi continues his legacy through his substitute role, but ultimately through his students’ success and their journey after high school. His model of consistency and character are an example of what it means to teach beyond the classroom to teachers in the district and around the world.
