• Elementary through high school in Guflport, MS
• Completed Bachelor's Degree program in Elementary Education from University of South Alabama in 1999
• Completed Master's Degree program in Elementary Education from University of South Alabama in 2002

Before teaching, I was employed with Sylvan Learning Center where my main priority was to tutor children in reading and math. I was then hired on at Dodge Elementary in December of 1999 as the Reading Teacher for 1st and 2nd grades. Beginning in August of 2000, I began teaching first grade. I have been teaching first grade ever since!

In past years, I have trained teachers on how to use the SMARTBoard and SMART Notebook programs that are in every classroom at our school. I am also an AMSTI certified trainer for the state. I have been lucky enough to travel throughout Alabama and to Florida to train teachers on how to use the AMSTI Investigations in their classrooms.

In the Spring of 2010 I was chosen as one of 70 recipients of RBC Bank's Tribute to Teachers. Teachers were chosen based on nominations made from students and parents. I was again nominated in the Spring of 2011.

In 2011 I was honored as being the Dodge PTA Teacher of the Year.

Just a little about me!

 My name is Maria Gronowski and I am very excited to be starting another year here at Dodge Elementary School! I wanted to introduce myself to you all and tell you a little bit about myself. I attended elementary and high school in Mississippi. I moved to Mobile from Gulfport, MS in 1994 to begin school at the University of South Alabama. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from USA in 1999 and my Master’s Degree from South in 2002. My Master’s Degree is also in Elementary Education. I have been a teacher for thirteen years here at Dodge and have been with first grade the entire time. I married my husband, Geoff in 2003 and we are parents to a beautiful girl named Avery who will be in first grade at Dodge this year. I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to teach at Dodge and be a part of your child’s life.

Thank you so much for entrusting your child to my care for this school year. I will do my very best to ensure a fabulous year! I have an open door policy and encourage you to check in with me before or after school or during my planning period. If you have any questions, please call me at 221-1195 or email me at mgronowski@mcpss.com.