Bio
Jamie’s passion is to inspire teachers and students to find that inner sparkle we all have within us and unleash it for our own happiness as well as to the benefit of our schools, communities, and the world! Jamie believes developing strong character and providing leadership opportunities starting with our youngest learners is the most powerful way to maximize the effectiveness of all educational programs. Her presentations highlight ways to implement self-discovery, leadership initiatives, and service learning in early childhood and primary classrooms.
Jamie holds a B.S. in Psychology (2002) and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Truman State University where she was awarded Outstanding Graduate Student in Elementary Education in 2003. She has an additional 30 hours in elementary education. Jamie is certified birth to grade 6 and has spent the last decade educating kindergarten students in St. Louis in the Northwest R-1 School District. Her school, Brennan Woods Elementary is about to enter year 2 of The Leader in Me program and is on the path to receive Lighthouse status. Jamie is a certified trainer for The Seven Habits of Happy Families for her school. The Warm Fuzzy Project, a service-learning project she initiated, just received a Promising Practice Award.
Jamie is married to Christopher Gray, D.O. a Family Practice Physician and has two outgoing children—Ashley (age 7, grade 2) and Charlie (4). When Jamie is not working, you will most likely find her at the St. Louis Zoo or sitting at the “Kid’s Table” at family functions or hosting family dance parties in her living room. She is also a self-described “inspirational Disney quote addict”.
Presentation Topics
Happy U
Happy U is a set of five practices to help you set and achieve your goals, lead a happy life, and teach children to do the same. The 5 practices are: Be Grateful, Make Wishes, Take Action, Have Heart, and Stay Fit. Symbols are incorporated for each step creating a visual “high five” young kids can carry with them throughout their lives. This workshop provides activities that can be implemented right away in any early childhood/primary setting to get children started in identifying goals and then taking the necessary steps to achieve them. A booklist, lesson, and make & take activity is provided for each practice with the Happy U song to put it all together!
Growing Super Leaders In The Primary Grades
All students have the potential to be great! Sometimes we think that certain responsibilities are just for the “big kids”. There are MANY ways in which our youngest learners can make a big impact. Learn how to implement leadership roles in the early childhood/primary classroom as well as develop meaningful service learning opportunities. Students will learn how to track academic data and share their data with families during student led conferences. When young students take an active role in their learning progress, the results are nothing short of extraordinary!
S.H.I.N.E.
Learn how to unleash your inner sparkle and teach students how to do the same! Eliminate the culture of competition in your building and classroom by learning how to recognize, celebrate, and capitalize on the unique strengths of the people who surround you! S.H.I.N.E. stands for: S-Self, H-Health/Happiness, I-Inspire, N-Notice, and E-Encourage/Empower. When we shift our focus and look for the potential in each other rather than flaws, great things will happen. Everyone can SHINE!
Jamie’s passion is to inspire teachers and students to find that inner sparkle we all have within us and unleash it for our own happiness as well as to the benefit of our schools, communities, and the world! Jamie believes developing strong character and providing leadership opportunities starting with our youngest learners is the most powerful way to maximize the effectiveness of all educational programs. Her presentations highlight ways to implement self-discovery, leadership initiatives, and service learning in early childhood and primary classrooms.
Jamie holds a B.S. in Psychology (2002) and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Truman State University where she was awarded Outstanding Graduate Student in Elementary Education in 2003. She has an additional 30 hours in elementary education. Jamie is certified birth to grade 6 and has spent the last decade educating kindergarten students in St. Louis in the Northwest R-1 School District. Her school, Brennan Woods Elementary is about to enter year 2 of The Leader in Me program and is on the path to receive Lighthouse status. Jamie is a certified trainer for The Seven Habits of Happy Families for her school. The Warm Fuzzy Project, a service-learning project she initiated, just received a Promising Practice Award.
Jamie is married to Christopher Gray, D.O. a Family Practice Physician and has two outgoing children—Ashley (age 7, grade 2) and Charlie (4). When Jamie is not working, you will most likely find her at the St. Louis Zoo or sitting at the “Kid’s Table” at family functions or hosting family dance parties in her living room. She is also a self-described “inspirational Disney quote addict”.
Presentation Topics
Happy U
Happy U is a set of five practices to help you set and achieve your goals, lead a happy life, and teach children to do the same. The 5 practices are: Be Grateful, Make Wishes, Take Action, Have Heart, and Stay Fit. Symbols are incorporated for each step creating a visual “high five” young kids can carry with them throughout their lives. This workshop provides activities that can be implemented right away in any early childhood/primary setting to get children started in identifying goals and then taking the necessary steps to achieve them. A booklist, lesson, and make & take activity is provided for each practice with the Happy U song to put it all together!
Growing Super Leaders In The Primary Grades
All students have the potential to be great! Sometimes we think that certain responsibilities are just for the “big kids”. There are MANY ways in which our youngest learners can make a big impact. Learn how to implement leadership roles in the early childhood/primary classroom as well as develop meaningful service learning opportunities. Students will learn how to track academic data and share their data with families during student led conferences. When young students take an active role in their learning progress, the results are nothing short of extraordinary!
S.H.I.N.E.
Learn how to unleash your inner sparkle and teach students how to do the same! Eliminate the culture of competition in your building and classroom by learning how to recognize, celebrate, and capitalize on the unique strengths of the people who surround you! S.H.I.N.E. stands for: S-Self, H-Health/Happiness, I-Inspire, N-Notice, and E-Encourage/Empower. When we shift our focus and look for the potential in each other rather than flaws, great things will happen. Everyone can SHINE!
