After more than two decades in the classroom, Ms. Grindl Weldon knows what excellent teaching and professional development look like. And in her opinion, the very best of both can be found at A+ College Ready’s E3 Summer Training.

“As a PD nerd, I’m always on the lookout for well-executed, meaningful professional development. Hands down, the best PD I’ve ever experienced has been through E3”

Grindl has participated in E3 training both as a learner and a trainer, and her reflections are a powerful testimony to the impact of this summer training experience. Her journey began years ago  when A+ College Ready;’s summer training was LTF (Laying the Foundation). She recalls her first training session with Kelly Duncan as a defining moment in her career.

“Every moment in her training room was valuable—not just what Kelly taught us, but how she taught us,” Weldon said. “It made me want to be like her when I ‘grew up.’”

The Power of Professional Learning

That inspiration continued as she trained with Erica Griffin in later years. “Every session was full of wisdom and practical strategies. I wanted to be the kind of educator that Kelly and Erica modeled.”

As both a veteran teacher and a trainer, Grindl still finds the E3 environment energizing and essential. “In the summer of 2023, I attended Year 2 training and then turned around and trained Year 1,” she shared.“Even as someone who facilitates training, being back in that learning space got my wheels turning. I always leave with new ideas, better strategies, and fresh inspiration for my classroom.”

However, what stands out to her is the collaborative, high-expectation culture that E3 cultivates. “Our fellow consultants are professionals of the highest order and true educators. I’m always learning something new—new ways of explaining content, new strategies for implementation, even new perspectives. It sharpens me, year after year.”

This idea of continuous improvement is central to Weldon’s teaching philosophy. “I just finished year 21, and every year I’m working to improve, for my students and for my school. Each year brings a new professional revision,” she said. “And the best way to grow is to surround yourself with like-minded educators. Iron sharpens iron.”

It’s built not just on curriculum but also on community.

“The training room is such a special space,” she reflected. “Each group is a mix of experience levels and personalities, and we all learn from each other. When I’m training, it honestly feels like the first day of school—welcoming new students, building a classroom family.”

And it’s clear that she deeply believes in what she’s teaching. “Our curriculum is unique—it’s written for Alabama teachers, by Alabama teachers. We know what it’s like to teach real kids in real classrooms in this state. That makes all the difference. I love helping teachers fall in love with what we offer.”

She quickly credits those who continue to influence her—mentors and colleagues who lead by example. “I still learn so much from people like Carrie Dauphin, Ann Foster, and Elaine Hill,” she said. “Carrie’s use of a simple timer dramatically changed my classroom management forever.”

Lead or Learn, you can have it all.

As the structure of Year 2 and Year 3 training weeks continues to evolve, Grindl is eager to remain in the room, not just to lead, but to keep learning.

“Just because I’m qualified to train doesn’t mean I’m done growing,” she emphasized. “I want to experience the process, the changes, the energy. Because in this work, there’s always more to learn.”

For Ms. Grindl Weldon, E3 isn’t just a summer training. It’s a place to reignite purpose, sharpen skills, and connect with a community that shares her passion for students, for content, and for the craft of teaching.

Register Now for the E3 Summer Experience

️June 24-27: Years 2, 3, and AP Intensive, July 8-11: Years 1, 2 & 3

Hewitt Trussville High School