VES February Employee of the Month
By Akers, Cindy
February 19, 2013
Mrs. Lisa Dobinson, Reading Intervention teacher, is February’s teacher of the month at Vermilion Elementary School. Mrs. Dobinson supports struggling readers in second grade with small group instruction. She closely monitors student progress and individualizes interventions. Her classroom is lively and fun and students thrive in the environment utilizing technology and many creative learning strategies. She has established a “lunch bunch” as a motivator for students to improve their fluency scores. Students keep track of their own learning through graphing and are proud of their achievements. Mrs. Dobinson embraces the philosophy of “whatever it takes” in helping her students find success in reading. She models her love of reading daily and works hard to instill that love in all her students. Mrs. Dobinson assists the classroom teachers by providing additional intervention strategies and materials to help all readers. Last summer, Mrs. Dobinson organized and led a summer reading program. This school year, she is teaching the after school “Success Camp” for third grade students. Mrs. Dobinson is positive and extremely energetic. Her friendly demeanor helps to make VES a great place to learn and to work.
Interview on Teaching and Leading
Why did you choose teaching as a profession? I chose teaching as a profession a little later than most. I went to Ohio Wesleyan University for my undergrad in Psychology. I was always fascinated by how people interact with each other. After college, I worked for Cuyahoga County Department of Human Services. I had my second child and decided to take time off of work and raise a family. It wasn’t until I moved to Vermilion and was ready to return to work when I realized that I had a passion for teaching. I started subbing and felt such gratification working with children. I went through the Bachelors Plus program through Ashland University and received my license in 2008.
Why or how did you choose to come to Vermilion?
My husband and I moved to Vermilion 13 years ago when we sold our home in Cleveland and needed a place to stay. My parents graciously let us stay with them at their summer home. We soon came to buy the house and have made Vermilion our home.
What do you like most about the Vermilion Local School District?
Most of all, I love the family atmosphere and the passion that is exemplified by all staff. Everyone works hard to educate students and it is reflective in the professionalism that surrounds the district.
Give some examples of things you believe are important in teaching.
Most importantly, the things I think are most important in teaching are to let every student I come in contact with by either greeting a student at the front door, walking down the hallway, or in my classroom that they are valued and respected.
What do you think is the most important thing you offer Vermilion students?
My resilience to look for new teaching strategies that will engage my students. I am fortunate to be surround by some really awesome teachers and have also learned a great deal from them. I have an extremely positive attitude that I try to impose on everybody I come in contact with.
Describe some important influences in your life.
My high school Psychology teacher was influential in my college career and assisted me throughout my four years. My parents truly impacted my life by teaching me strong educational and personal values.
What are your interests outside of your job?
In the summer, my family enjoys boating and visiting the islands. I coach the 7th grade volleyball team for Vermilion in the Fall. I have three girls that keep me extremely busy running from activity to activity.
