Meet Your Teacher

Hi! My name is Jaci Gross and I am going to be your teacher this year. I like to be called Ms. G. or just "G." I have lived here for 22 years and this is my 27th year of teaching. When I was a child, I dreamed of being a teacher one day. I wanted to be a teacher because I know how important teachers can be in your life. I taught 8th grade for 7 years, but my biggest love is 5th grade. I love my job and I love our community. I have taught a lot of your parents, and I think that is really special. I also coach varsity softball and have coached basketball, tennis, and volleyball at different times through the years. I have a service dog and her name is Graci. I know you will love her! I also love showing the Coulee off by taking people on local hikes. Are you up for it? :)

I grew up in a small town in Southwest Washington called White Salmon. After graduating high school, I went to college at Portland State University and got a bachelor's degree in Psychology. I then went to Washington State University in Vancouver, Washington, and received my Master's Degree in Teaching. I have taken several courses in Trauma and feel as though my greatest strength as a teacher is understanding kids and working with students/parents who have had to live life through the lens of trauma. Recently, I became an Equity Guardian. An equity guardian is someone who has been trained to see and promote equality among all students regardless of race, sexuality, social status, and physical/intellectual disabilities.

I love being outdoors and will find time to explore any chance I get. I have climbed Mt. Adams, I've walked across three countries (France, Spain and Portugal), and I've scaled the top of the famous Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. I love hiking, camping, biking, traveling, and exploring with my wife, Missy, more than anything else. We have three dogs; Gilbert, Graci, and Kitty. We live on Stevens Avenue in Coulee Dam and love our neighborhood and neighbors.

I'm excited for another year here at Lake Roosevelt Elementary. If you ever need me, I can be reached at jgross@gcdsd.org. Never ever hesitate to contact me because I am here for you. Ms. G.

Let's have a great year together! GO RAIDERS!