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Dobbins welcomes new first-grade teacher
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
After staying home for years to raise her two sons, Boardman resident Suzanne James has a new day job.
James is Dobbins Elementary’s new first-grade teacher. She replaced teaching veteran Amy Davis, who retired after working with the school for more than 20 years. James obtained a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in elementary education with an emphasis in reading.
She took time off as an educator to raise her children. Now that her two sons, Ryan and Billy, are all grown up, she can focus on her dream that was put on hold. She said her husband of 27 years, William, supported her decision to go after what she wanted in life — being a teacher.
This is her first time she’s had her own class, but she is no stranger to Dobbins. Since 1990, James has worked with Dobbins as an extended kindergarten teacher, reading intervention tutor and director of after-school programs and substitute teacher. She completed her student teaching in the Poland school system and since then, has wanted to be a part of the Bulldog faculty.
“I always looked at the Poland schools as being excellent,” James said. “I felt that the children that attended Poland schools get a great education and I wanted to be a part of that.
“I am excited. This is just an exciting year for me,” James said. “I finally got to achieve my goal.”
The first two weeks of school have come and gone, but there are many more school days ahead. The first couple of months of the school year can be a fun time for first-graders and a stressful time for teachers, but James has everything under control.
She said the kids are getting accustomed to the class schedule and beginning to get in a steady routine. She wants to do whatever is necessary to help her students reach and exceed the academic standards that are set at Dobbins.
“I love the children,” James said. “I just want to be a part of their educational growth.”
James has been working in the Poland school system for some time now, but said it’s just the tip of the iceberg. She wants to stay with Poland for as long as she can.
“I plan I on being here until I retire,” James said.