Donna M. Grady
Donna Grady is a veteran educator with over 37 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, including 27 years as a kindergarten teacher at Franklin Public Schools in Massachusetts. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to creating nurturing, play-based learning environments that support the developmental, emotional, and academic growth of young children. Donna’s dedication extends beyond the classroom—she has served as a preschool administrator and guest-lectured at colleges to mentor aspiring educators. In addition to her teaching career, Donna has been a long-standing advocate for educators, serving as president of the Franklin Education Association for over a decade and actively participating in union leadership at the state and national levels. Her work focuses on school safety, early childhood best practices, and ensuring that policy decisions consider the impact on “little human beings.” Donna currently chairs and participates in multiple committees and task forces, including the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee, the MTA Safe Schools for All Task Force, and the DESE Safe and Supportive Schools Commission. Donna earned her Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College and is certified to teach through third grade, as well as director-qualified for private preschools in Massachusetts. Known as a developmentalist and advocate for play-based learning, she emphasizes the importance of educator involvement in policy-making and champions initiatives that prioritize the safety, well-being, and holistic development of students. Through decades of classroom teaching, leadership, and mentoring, Donna has become a respected voice in early childhood education both locally and nationally.
• Wheelock College - MS
• Franklin Education Association
• Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA)
• National Education Association (NEA)
• Massachusetts PTA Health
• MTA Safe Schools for All Task Force
• Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee
• DESE Safe and Supportive Schools Commission
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and inspiration I’ve received from key mentors throughout my life. One mentor in particular—my 8th-grade teacher—had a profound impact on me, shaping my curiosity and drive. I’m proud to say that they are now a collegeague, continuing to inspire others as they once inspired me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be willing to adapt, but stay true to what you value. Give 100% of yourself, for your students deserve nothing less. We must accept all students for who they are. We adjust to what our students need, they do not adjust to us.
We are teaching students. humans, not just curriculum.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be willing to speak up and actively participate in policy discussions. As educators, we have a responsibility to help shape decisions, because those choices directly impact students’ learning, safety, and future opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges right now include inadequate funding/staffing/resources for student needs and loss of educator autonomy. Education companies have begun treating the field of education as big business. Programs, software, test scores, and profits gleaned from these items have overtaken what we know is best for kids: play, hands on, learning, exploration, student interest, student choice in learning - all of which can be "rigorous" yet engaging. Students are not test scores. Focusing on how students access learning through technology really only shows what their keyboarding skills are but also highlight economic and other inequities. Learning should be engaging and fun, promoting inquiry, collaboration and exploration (of ALL ages). We can't "make" a brain, or "mature" it to grow to what we want it to be. We know how the brain grows, how students learn. Why is the educational field pushing against this?
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value dedication, advocacy, and fostering growth. With a master’s in early childhood education, I’ve taught kindergarten and early grades across diverse settings, including public, private, and international schools. Beyond the classroom, I serve as president of the Franklin Education Association, chair of the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee, and co-chair of the MTA Safe Schools for All Task Force, working to create safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
My values are that everyone is welcome, important and has something to contribute. Listening to each other and learning from each other is more important now than ever.
Locations
Franklin Public Schools
Franklin, MA 02038