Photo Info: Paul Grant (SPS) & Kristin Merrill (Simmons Bank)
For the past 14 years, Paul Grant has been a familiar and steady presence in the halls of Stillwater High School, where he teaches 11th grade U.S. History. His classroom is more than a place to study dates and eventsit’s a space where students learn how the past shapes the present and where they are encouraged to connect history to their own lives.
Teaching wasn’t a surprising career path for Grant. With many members of his immediate family also working in education, it felt like a natural direction to follow. “Education has always been a part of my life,” he explained. “I grew up surrounded by teachers, and I knew it was something meaningful that I wanted to do as well.”
Before arriving at Stillwater, Grant spent time teaching at Yale and Morrison High Schools. Each stop gave him valuable experience and helped him develop the patient, organized approach that he is known for today. He credits his 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Cheatwood at Will Rogers Elementary, with making a lasting impact on him. “She had such a positive influence on me at a young age. She showed me the difference a teacher can make, and that has stayed with me throughout my career,” Grant said.
For him, the most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing his students succeed. “The best part of this job is seeing when it clicks for a studentwhen they find confidence in their abilities and realize they can achieve more than they thought possible,” he shared. That motivation keeps him focused, along with a piece of advice he carries with him daily: “Patience and organization is the key to success.”
Outside the classroom, Grant enjoys unplugging and spending time in the mountains. His summers are often spent at his cabin in Colorado, where he can relax and recharge before the next school year begins.
Through dedication, patience, and a genuine passion for education, Paul Grant continues to shape the future by helping his students better understand the past.
