English teacher Trae Graninger is a staple at the school and has been teaching here for over two decades, almost three at this point.  His face is familiar to students and colleagues and he is one of the only teachers to participate in every single spirit day, often going over the top to show school spirit. Graninger’s laugh is contagious and his classroom is a welcoming space with a relaxed vibe.

Q: What classes do you teach and how long have you been teaching for?

A: “I teach 9th grade honors and 11th grade core. I’ve been teaching since 1991, so 34 years teaching and 26 years at Cox.”

Q: How would you describe your teaching style?

A: “Survive ’till the end of the day.”

Q: What made you decide to teach English?

A: “I love English. It was my major. I love it. And I actually have a lot of experience in math so I could teach English or math.”

Q: What is your life motto?

A: “Do whatever my wife tells me to do.”

Q: What do you want students to take away from your class?

A: “Learn to laugh. Even when it’s done, you can laugh.”

Q: What has made you choose to stay at Cox all these years?

A: Cox is the best, and that’s coming from a First Colonial graduate!”

Q: What is most rewarding about your job?

A: “The kids. Being able to hang out with kids. I’ve been able to hang out with kids since I was a kid. I mean seriously, when you’re in college, you’re still a kid. Then I graduated and I could teach. I’ve been around kids all my life. I love to keep it young. They’re fun! They can be a pain in the neck, but they’re really fun!”