In early December, Southern Lehigh High School welcomed new learning support teacher, Ms. Erica Groendal, who is co-teaching biology classes.

“We’ve been waiting for anyone to start. They had a long term sub in,” biology teacher Mr. Rick Dreves said. “Now that she’s on board, things have been good so far.”
Ms. Groendal has been teaching for eight years. Before coming to Southern Lehigh, she taught at Gulf Coast High School and Central Bucks High School South.

“I like working with kids, especially teenagers,” Ms. Groendal said. “I think teenagers are fun, yet still curious and excited about what they’re gonna do in life.”

In high school, she was a member of the International Friendship Club. She was also given the interesting opportunity to live with a family in Costa Rica for three weeks.

Ms. Groendal studied at Lock Haven University, University of Málaga, University of Oviedo, and Florida Gulf Coast University. She holds a bachelor’s in Spanish and a master’s in special education.

“I was inspired by my high school Spanish teacher,” Ms. Groendal said. “She was very vibrant and caring and just had a lot of passion for world communication and cultures.”

Outside of school, Ms. Groendal loves travelling, running, yoga, kickboxing, and the outdoors. She also enjoys spending time with her family and two young children.

“It makes me proud when I see my own children interested in things I enjoy,” Ms. Groendal said. “Like, my four-year-old loves to watch Bill Nye and I think that’s the coolest thing.”

Ms. Groendal considers herself to be ambitious by nature, and feels accomplished when she is able to lead others to success. She is both determined and excited to settle into her work here at Southern Lehigh.