Volunteer Spotlight: Paige Grimm – Teaching From the Heart, Even Without the Classroom

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Friday, 18 Apr 2025

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Image caption: Paige Grimm brings energy and heart to every JA classroom—proving you don’t have to be a full-time teacher to make a lifelong impact.

Some people are born to teach—whether they end up in a traditional classroom or not. For Paige Grimm, the path she originally saw for herself shifted, but the passion for education and connection never left.
Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Paige is a proud graduate of Prairie High School, as well as Mount Mercy University and Kirkwood Community College. She once dreamed of becoming a full-time teacher, but as life evolved, so did her career plans. Still, that spark to guide and inspire students never faded.
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” Paige said. “Even though that’s not my job today, I still get to teach through Junior Achievement—and that means the world to me.”
Paige’s Junior Achievement (JA) story began when she volunteered at a Financial Literacy Fair through Kirkwood. The experience lit something in her. She wanted more. She searched for similar opportunities and found exactly what she was looking for with JA. Without hesitation, she jumped in—hard.
“I did five classes that first year,” she laughed. “I didn’t even ease in. I was hooked right away.”
Paige, a JA alumna herself, now prefers teaching upper grades, where she can blend personal experience with real-world lessons. She thrives on the energy of her students, the back-and-forth conversations, and the powerful “aha” moments that spark during each session. Even so, she admits: the nerves never quite go away.
“Every time, I still get nervous,” she admitted. “It’s like giving a speech—the beginning and the end are the hardest. But once you push through that initial five minutes, the rest of your time is golden.”
With every lesson, Paige carries the confidence of knowing she’s supported. “JA does a great job preparing volunteers. I always have my book with me. Even if I don’t look at it much, it’s my backup—and that’s all I need.”
One of her favorite experiences each year is the Stock Market Challenge. “It’s so intense and so much fun. It gives students a real-life look at how the market works—something most people never get to see. It even helped me when I met with my own financial advisor.”
But for Paige, the most rewarding moments don’t come from the curriculum—they come from the connections. “Every single time, I’m surprised by what a student says. These kids are smart. I learn something new from them each time I teach.”
She recalls one moment when she was grocery shopping at Hy-Vee and a little girl came up to her and said, “You were my Junior Achievement teacher.” That recognition, that impact—it sticks.
“I might not get hugs like the Kindergarten volunteers,” she joked, “but I get relationships with the older students. And how cool would it be if I taught an eighth grader who eventually became an accountant—and we got to work together one day? It’s almost like pre-networking.”
Paige deeply believes in the mission of Junior Achievement: providing students with real-life experiences and financial education many wish they had growing up. “JA does the things we always say, ‘I wish school taught this.’”
She finds meaning in the small moments—the quick thank-yous, the nods of understanding, the thoughtful questions. “You could have a bad day, but if you find one good moment in that day, hold onto it. All those little moments add up.”
When asked what advice she’d give someone considering volunteering, Paige didn’t hesitate: “Just do it. If you’re nervous, do it with a friend. I’ll co-teach—I’ll welcome anyone to see how great it is. You can find the time. Get a group together and go for it!”
Paige Grimm is proof that you don’t have to be in a classroom full-time to make a difference—you just have to show up, share what you know, and be willing to learn alongside your students.
Inspired by Paige’s story? You can make an impact, too. Whether you're a seasoned professional, recent graduate, or simply passionate about helping the next generation succeed, there's a place for you in a Junior Achievement classroom. Just like Paige, you don’t have to be a teacher to teach—you just have to care. Sign up to volunteer today and help students across Eastern Iowa build brighter, more confident futures.