VES MAY TEACHERS OF THE MONTH
May 15, 2012
CHRIS ANNABLE, DIANNE KOINIS, JANE LEE
The students of Vermilion Local Schools have been fortunate to have many outstanding teachers in the history of the school district. Mrs. Annable, Mrs. Koinis and Mrs. Lee are three who have served our students for many years and now are leaving us via retirement. We wish them the very best as they take on new adventures in their lives and we thank them for their commitment to creating an enriching, safe and nurturing environment for our students. They truly are outstanding in their field!
Mrs. Chris Annable has taught in Vermilion for 29 years. Prior to that she worked in West Holmes and Hillsdale School districts. She has taught special education, general education and enrichment classes in a multitude of grade levels. She has been in this current building when it was VMS, VIS and now VES. In her current assignment in Grade 3 Reading and Language Arts, she continues to set the bar high for all of her students. She embraces the use of technology and integrates it into the curriculum. Students recently created books for the Young Authors Conference and multimedia research presentations about animals.
Mrs. Dianne Koinis has taught for 35 years in Vermilion. She graduated from Vermilion High School, BGSU and Ashland University. In her 35 years of service she taught 5 years at second grade and 30 years at third grade. She currently teaches Math, Science and Social Studies in general and enrichment classes. Mrs. Koinis has great expectations for her students and stretches their learning beyond what is taught from the textbook. She uses hands on activities and technology to enrich her students’ learning on a daily basis.
Mrs. Jane Lee has taught in Vermilion since 1995. Prior to that time she taught in Westlake and worked as a substitute teacher in Vermilion. She has taught grades 2, 3 and 5 in Vermilion. Her current assignment at VES is in second grade. Mrs. Lee teaches all subjects to her second graders. She has integrated technology into her lessons using Brain Honey, SuccessMaker and a variety of educational programs. Her students are challenged to do their best and she does whatever it takes to make each child successful.
From the staff and students of VES:
We will miss you Mrs. Annable, Mrs. Koinis and Mrs. Lee!!
INTERVIEWS ON TEACHING AND LEADING
Mrs. Chris Annable
- Why did you choose teaching as a profession? I always loved school and learning and decided as a third grader that I wanted to become a teacher. In high school I became interested in special education as a career direction.
- Why or how did you choose to come to Vermilion? I grew up in eastern Lorain County and always thought Vermilion was a quaint town. As I finished my masters degree, my grad advisor from Ashland College was working with Vermilion Schools on an in service program. She told me of a special education opening here. I applied and luckily was hired to teach at the middle school level.
- What do you like most about the Vermilion Local School District? I’ve always enjoyed the staff and students I’ve worked with in Vermilion. There have been so many changes in education during my 35 years of teaching, and I believe that the Vermilion administration has supported teachers by giving us the tools and the training needed to do our jobs well.
- Give some examples of things you believe are important in teaching. I think it’s important to have high standards of achievement and behavior, offer a safe environment where students are accepted and encouraged to do their best, have a sense of humor, be consistent with discipline, and above all, be flexible.
- What do you think is the most important thing you offer Vermilion students? I believe that reading is the most important skill students need to be successful and I’ve always tried to share my enthusiasm and love of reading by sharing my favorite books and authors with my students.
- Describe some important influences in your life. My parents and grandparents always encouraged me to work hard and do my best. Many of my teachers encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming an educator.
- What are your interests outside of your job? I love to spend time with my husband Tom, and my son Nate. I like to read, cook, travel, and play word games. I’m also a fan of whichever Cleveland sports team is in season. Go Tribe!
Mrs. Dianne Koinis
- Why did you choose teaching as a profession? I became a teacher because I wanted to work with children and help them learn. Between my Freshman and Sophomore years of college at BGSU, I worked at Cedar Point in Kiddie Land. I almost changed my major after that summer!! I’m glad I stuck with it and have taught for 35 amazing years in Vermilion.
- Why or how did you choose to come to Vermilion? My family moved to Vermilion from Indianapolis when I was in the 7th grade. It was not an easy transition for me because I attended a large, new school in Indianapolis and started here at South Street School which was a 1 - 8 building at the time. I went on to graduate from VHS in 1973, graduated from college and got married in 1977. I was lucky enough to be able to do my student teaching here in Vermilion. After graduation, I was offered a position at South Street and have lived in Vermilion ever since! I think it is pretty ironic that my first teaching assignment was teaching 2nd grade at South Street.
- What do you like most about the Vermilion Local School District? Vermilion is a wonderful place to live and teach! Over the years we have had a few opportunities to leave Vermilion, but chose to stay. I've always been proud to say I'm a Vermilion teacher.
- Give some examples of things you believe are important in teaching. I think it is important to have good rapport with my students. They know that I care about them and trust them. Teaching children how to be responsible, have good manners and have good character is as important for young children as teaching them how to work math problems.
- What do you think is the most important thing you offer Vermilion students? I love teaching math and convey that to my students! I also try to bring a sense of humor into my classroom and draw upon my (many) years of experience!
- Describe some important influences in your life. My parents and family have always been a big influence in my life. My husband, John, and two sons have always been very supportive of my career. I’ve taught with many amazing teachers over the years and feel blessed to have been colleagues with them.
- What are your interests outside of your job? I enjoy collecting things! I also enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. I plan to move to Arizona after retirement and explore the national parks of the west.
Mrs. Jane Lee
- Why did you choose teaching as a profession? I love to work with children. It’s exciting to watch them learn and grow.
- Why or how did you choose to come to Vermilion? Boating brought us to Vermilion.
- What do you like most about the Vermilion Local School District? I’ve gotten to meet and work with wonderful people.
- Give some examples of things you believe are important in teaching. I believe in respect for all children and that they learn best in a structured environment. I also believe in differentiated instruction to be able to reach learners.
- What do you think is the most important thing you offer Vermilion students? Fairness to all children.
- Describe some important influences in your life. My mother and her value of education was an important influence in my life.
- What are your interests outside of your job? I enjoy reading, golfing, and gardening. I especially like spending time with my family; My husband Rick, my three children Barry, Caryn and Tania, five grandkids ages 4-7 and my chocolate lab, Ruby.
