Teaching AP Calculus during the day, and then supervising Mu Alpha Theta and Women in STEM after school, Saida Griesemer is no stranger to busy school days. But once the students leave, Griesemer must step away from the classroom and go home to care for her own children.
“My family is so important to me,” Griesemer said. “I think of them seeing how hard I work as a teacher and I want them to have that same passion and drive with whatever they’re passionate about.”

When signing up for a class, students are unaware of what happens behind the scenes. There’s no way to tell what their teacher has to balance every day, the challenges they overcome, or any unique aspects of their character that aren’t as apparent inside the classroom.

Though it’s not as clear at first glance, Griesemer is a very artistic person who loves painting. She values this creative side and incorporates it not just in her teaching style but also in her role as a sponsor for Women in STEM.

“It’s good bonding and it encourages STEM being fun and less intimidating,” said senior Mara Mrruku, two-time student of Griesemer. During their time in Women in STEM, Mrruku participated in career related activities which helped build their resume.

Taking the role seriously, Griesemer works hard to cultivate a love for STEM among young women. She provides new ideas, labs, and perspectives from women currently in the field for guidance.

“STEM is such an intimidating field to enter especially if you’re a woman,” said senior Xiamara Fils. “But in this club I am able to learn and do what I love and also be goofy with everyone else and have fun.”

Currently, in her 13th year at Oviedo, Griesemer has taken on several responsibilities. Her efforts did not go unrecognized, however, even when starting out. In 2018, she had only been teaching for around five years when the staff voted her Teacher of the Year as a collective group.

Taking action when other educators need support, Griesemer creates a sense of family within the OHS environment. She does more than just help students learn, providing their kids lessons on finding balance and prioritizing themselves while facing difficult subjects.

“It’s not just teaching them one thing every single day. It’s inspiring students, creating opportunities for them to grow, and lots of different skills of how to be better every day.”