Gonda’s first job is first grade


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Neighbors| Sarah Foor.Woodside Elementary’s new first-grade teacher Bonnie Gonda stands proudly in front of the door of her classroom, which is decorated with the names of her new students.

By SARAH FOOR

neighbors@vindy.com

One of the youngest faces at Woodside Elementary this year, besides the children, is first-grade teacher Bonnie Gonda.

“Yes, this is my first year teaching, my first classroom, first curriculum, everything,” said Gonda.

However, Gonda already knows her way around the halls of Woodside, after being a tutor there for the 2009-2010 school year. Gonda reflected on all that her tutoring brought her.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the girls I used to tutor, who are now in my own first-grade class, and working with the supportive staff and faculty I met last year is an honor,” she explained.

Because she just started her teaching career, Gonda said she hasn’t quite pinpointed her favorite subject to teach.

“I’m trained for K-6 in all subjects. My favorite part of my first year, truly, is tying all the subjects together. “I’m an Austintown native and alumni and I stayed in this area to study at YSU. Now, as a teacher, I’d like to think I’m investing in Austintown’s future.”