Annie Granger

Position: Special Education TeacherSchool: Johnson Elementary SchoolSchool District: Limestone County SchoolsCity, State: Athens, Alabama
About the Nominee: Annie Granger was nominated by her colleague, Tara Bachus.Annie Granger works with Johnson Elementary School's Autism program. She has dedicated her life to raising awareness of autism and to the improvement of student services. Miss Annie, as she is known, works tirelessly each year with community members and non-profit organizations to raise money for her school's students with autism so that they can receive what they need. Through her efforts, Johnson Elementary has made additions to their sensory integration room, held a one-to-one iPad initiative for non-verbal students and purchased apps which provide picture/voice symbols and give students a voice for the first time ever. The school has also provided professional development opportunities for both special education and general education staff, as well as parents.Miss Annie organizes the local Special Olympics each year for the entire county, is an annual coach for the Alabama State Special Olympics and assists with the Regional Autism Walk. She has been selected as a National Special Olympics Coach and Limestone County Special Education Teacher of the Year many times. She has also received commendations from the Board of Education for her work with the community to make life better for students with autism. Limestone Schools had approximately 34 students with autism when Miss Annie arrived seven years ago. Now, the district has 80 students. Her efforts and dedication to this population spread not only throughout the North Alabama region, but state-wide. Many families move to the district specifically so their child can be with Miss Annie. She is the voice and champion for students who need a voice the most! Miss Annie is Limestone County's LifeChanger![nominee_videos nominee_email="annie.granger@lcsk12.org"]