GREAT FALLS – For students across the country, summer came to an end this week with the start of a new school year.
But it was not just the first week of school for students – it was also the first week on the job for Courtnee Grubb, recently graduated from University of Montana- Western.
Courtnee, born and raised in Great Falls, has envisioned herself teaching since middle school.
She said, “I had some really good new teachers when I was in middle school as well and they were just excited to be there and wanted you to learn.”
Courtnee has spent countless hours over the past few months getting her classroom ready for her incoming students before the big day.
She wants a fun and colorful classroom so it’s a good environment for the kids to be in. She said, “The kids come in and they get really excited to be in here.”
What she’s looking forward to most about being a teacher is the “Ah-ha moments.” Courtnee said, “If they’re struggling with something and you just see that light bulb go off.”
After graduating from CMR High School in 2014 and returning to Great Falls to teach after college, she believes she has come full circle.
Courtnee said, “Great Falls has a super good education program and they want all their kids to have that education that they deserve.”
She is currently working at Lewis & Clark Elementary School as a 3rd grade teacher.
Reporting by Kasey Herman for MTN News
