Alexandra Griffren-Uren is a new teacher at Atlantic High School and the newest addition to the English department. She teaches English three, Career Communications, and Visual Literacy. Griffin-Uren said she was drawn to English classes because, “it kinda came naturally to me,” Griffin-Uren said. She is a twice-published author and, “English is something I’ve been passionate about my whole life. ” 

Before deciding on English, she wanted to, “become a naturalist to teach kids about nature.” She said. Griffin-Uren is certified to teach fifth—eighth-grade science and fifth—12th-grade English. Previously, she taught English sixth, seventh, eighth, and 12th grade in Exira. She taught in Exira for three years before deciding to come to Atlantic. In Exira, Giffren-Uren hadn’t chaperoned any dances and she said she was excited to chaperone the TWIRP dance. “I have been appreciating the student life that Atlantic provides to students, and I think that gives them support socially as well,” she said. She also said she, “really enjoys watching the students interact,” especially outside of class.

When she is not at school, Griffin-Uren enjoys spending time with her two children. She said they “monopolize” her time. They are both boys, one seven and the other is barely one. Her one-year-old is just learning to walk and she said, “that’s a lot of fun.” In extra free time, Griffin-Uren  said, “Sometimes I just like to rot and watch TikTok and movies and stuff.” Her husband likes to work on vehicles, so she spends time helping him. She also spends time gardening. 

As a new teacher, she tries to create a ”warm and welcoming” environment, not only in class but also outside of it. One of her main mantras as a teacher is that fairness is not necessarily equality. She said that fairness can look different for everyone and wants to acknowledge that throughout her career.