“I know what it’s like to not feel loved.”
Tim Griffin works every day to help ensure his students won’t.
When Griffin was 14, his mother passed away. He lived in foster homes, engaged in petty theft, and found himself in a juvenile detention center, fearful his latest foster mom would give up.
That was then.
These days, Griffin – also known as “Uncle Timmy”– is feeling an abundance of love from the family he’s built inside and outside the walls of Beech Grove High School in Indianapolis.
Griffin teaches 28 freshmen in his three Life Skills classes. A key part of the curriculum involves finances. So, when Griffin was looking for mock checkbooks to teach students about paying bills, he knew where to turn: Joe Snyder.
“I’ve known Joe for years,” said Griffin about the Regions Bank Commercial Credit Products portfolio manager. “Joe introduced me to Schiela Peña, who said, ‘I can take care of you’ and she did. I’m so glad Joe connected me to Schiela. It’s made a big difference because it’s more like real life for our students.”
Peña notes that was precisely the goal.
“Sharing Regions’ available resources with Tim complemented the detailed lesson plan he had in place,” said Peña, community relations officer for Regions in Indianapolis. “It offered the opportunity to elevate his vision by providing the students with a more authentic experience.”
Joe introduced me to Schiela Peña, who said, ‘I can take care of you’ and she did. I’m so glad Joe connected me to Schiela. It’s made a big difference because it’s more like real life for our students.Tim Griffin, Beech Grove High School Life Skills Teacher
Teaching is Griffin’s second career. During his 30-plus years in the business world, he always felt something was missing. His love of coaching and training inspired him to make the leap to education.
“My kids were in college when I went back to college,” Griffin said. “I initially wanted to teach creative writing or history, but I was told, ‘You need to be a special needs teacher. You have the personality for that.’”
And, it turns out, the passion for it, too.
“I just love what I do,” said Griffin. “I could retire tomorrow if I wanted to, but it’s a whole lot of fun. It’s rewarding for me to do what I do.”
What he does is teach his students with mild cognitive and learning disabilities fundamentals like CPR, how to tie a tie, develop a cover letter and resume, and write personal correspondence to help prepare them for life after graduation.
“I’ve learned every kid can learn, just not the same way in the same day,” said Griffin. “I try to think up every way I can for them to gain life skills they may need down the road.”
That learning isn’t limited to just inside the classroom. Griffin’s Life Skills students also take field trips to places like Regions Bank’s Beech Grove branch for real-world application.
You see some are anxious about dealing with their finances, so we help them relax and begin to put the pieces together a step at a time so it’s not intimidating. Michael Bast, Beech Grove branch manager
“Mr. Griffin usually brings 10 to 15 students to the bank to reinforce the lessons he’s provided about managing money,” said Michael Bast, Beech Grove branch manager. “Most haven’t had a bank account or any experience with handling money. We walk them through how to fill out a deposit slip on a white board, then the students complete the actual process with a bank team member from start to finish.”
It’s an experience designed to move students from unfamiliarity to curiosity to comfort.
“You see some are anxious about dealing with their finances, so we help them relax and begin to put the pieces together a step at a time so it’s not intimidating,” said Bast. “If we do it correctly, we can help them view their future interactions with a bank as a partnership. I feel fortunate to help guide them with starting and maintaining healthy, productive financial habits.”
Another area Griffin is introducing his students to is giving back.
“The studentswrite letters to veterans,” he said. “We have quotes posted on the walls they can pick and then add their own personal touch to it. They’re getting excellent at it.”
You come to my room for 90 minutes, and you’re going to feel loved,” he said. “You’re going to feel respected. This is a safe haven.Tim Griffin
They’ve gained additional practice writing thank you letters through a community auction Griffin holds at the end of each semester to help purchase classroom rewards. More than 100 people and businesses donate items.
“I love that people want to help me,” Griffin said. “I can’t do it without help.”
Love – Tim Griffin is now feeling it every day and ensuring his students do, too.
“You come to my room for 90 minutes, and you’re going to feel loved,” he said. “You’re going to feel respected. This is a safe haven.”
Griffin also reminds students they can overcome obstacles, no matter how large they may seem.
“I really relate to these kids,” he said. “I tell them my story. My foster mom taught me even though you had a horrible time growing up, you can change. Even though you made mistakes or flunked classes, you can recover. You can get a job; you can go to trade school. As long as you try hard enough, you can be successful.”
Want to thank a teacher who changed your life? Send them an ecard during Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10.
See How Tim Griffin Supports a Regions Bank Community Partner:
Tim Griffin was awestruck by his first shopping experience at Teachers’ Treasures 11 years ago. So much so, he’s made hundreds of visits since – but for a different reason.
“I decided if I was going to use their products, I needed to volunteer there, too,” said Griffin, who helps organize supplies in the nonprofit’s warehouse.
Since 2000, Teachers’ Treasures has distributed more than $100 million in free classroom supplies to Indianapolis teachers in under-resourced schools. Regions Bank in Indianapolis has worked with the organization for nearly a decade.
“I see firsthand what Teachers’ Treasures does for my kids,” said Griffin. “Teachers like me can’t do what we do without support from Teachers’ Treasures.”
