Faculty Feature: Greg McGrath, second-grade teacher
"I love to learn. I’ve been so fortunate to have diverse educational and workplace challenges and wish to instill a desire to be inquisitive in my students. My philosophy is to have fun, work hard, and always ask ‘why?’!"
Greg McGrath is a second-grade teacher in the Evelyne Sheats Lower School at Rabun Gap. He is originally from Brooklyn, NY and holds a Bachelors of Science in Communication from Appalachian State University and a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from Illinois State. Mr. McGrath, his partner Dr. Chaves, and their daughter Eulalie ‘26 moved to Rabun Gap three years ago when Dr. Chaves accepted a teaching position in the Upper School. In his time here, Mr. McGrath has worked on the Maintenance and Transportation teams and has also served as a teacher in the Middle School. He and his family have become an important part of the community here at Rabun Gap.
Where did you live before coming to Rabun Gap?
Before coming to Rabun Gap, we had lived in Hiawassee and taught at Young Harris College before moving to Illinois. We then found our way back to North Georgia.
Tell us about you and your family’s experience with the community here at Rabun Gap.
We have found a true community here at Rabun Gap since moving from Illinois. Our daughter, Eulalie, is a fifth grader at the Lower School and is thriving in this beautiful, unique environment. We love being here and look forward to contributing to the community for years to come.
We have found a true community here at Rabun Gap since moving from Illinois. Our daughter, Eulalie, is a fifth grader at the Lower School and is thriving in this beautiful, unique environment. We love being here and look forward to contributing to the community for years to come.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I love to learn. I’ve been so fortunate to have diverse educational and workplace challenges and wish to instill a desire to be inquisitive in my students. My philosophy is to have fun, work hard, and always ask ‘why?’!
What were you like in elementary school?
I was not the epitome of the well-behaved youngster when I was in elementary school. I recall being ‘excused’ from class to walk around the baseball fields as a second grader, due to my inability to remain quiet while the teacher was speaking.
Can you imagine, these days, an eight year old being sent outside alone to walk around the playing fields? I remember thinking that it was really cool. However, my parents did not think so.
How many years of experience do you have as a teacher and why did you decide to become one?
I have taught three years at the collegiate level, one at the Middle School, and am in my first as a second-grade teacher. I chose the Master’s program at ISU because of their focus on teaching.
The most inspiring people in my life have been teachers. Those teachers who challenged me the most are the memorable ones. Mrs. Amos, my eleventh grade English teacher was fierce! She demanded discipline and curiosity; I aspire to her standards and will never forget her example of what a teacher could mean to a young person by demanding more than you might have thought you were capable of.
What inspires you?
I’ve had a calling to the mountains since my first visit to Appalachian State - the mountain landscape is endlessly intriguing to me. I find music of all kinds is inspiring. Family and friends also inspire me. My daughter is very inspiring me - I hope to grow up and be like her someday.
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
I like to play my guitar and like to play golf. I also enjoy reading and listening to interviews.
This is your first year of teaching elementary education. How do you like it?
I’ve worked my way from college classrooms to the second grade and have finally found my tribe! It is immensely enjoyable and fulfilling to be a second-grade teacher.
What’s it like working at the school your daughter attends?
I was a stay-at-home dad with Eulalie for a few years; to be able to see her every day at school as a fifth grader is a gift.
What is your favorite thing about your second-grade class this year? Do you have a favorite memory or story so far?
My class is a special group of strong personalities. They challenge me and I am so fortunate to have had wonderful teachers before me to prepare them so thoroughly to be successful second graders.
One of my favorite memories is from when I was using the Smart Board for one of the first times and was having difficulties. One of the kids said something along the lines of, “It’s okay, Mr. McGrath, you’ll get the hang of it.” I’ll never forget that generous and loving response to my mistakes that day.
What do you think makes Rabun Gap a special place?
All of the people - those who came before us and those here now. Also, the rural setting is pretty special.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
Once, I shot a hole in one while golfing. I have been in a movie with Blythe Danner and Tom McArthy. Also, I used to be a lampist.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
