Teacher of the Month: Marie Pohl, Plain Local
NAME – Marie Pohl
SCHOOL – Glenwood Intermediate School, Plain Local School District
RESIDENCE – Jackson Township
HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER – Berkshire High School in Burton
COLLEGE – University of Akron for undergrad and master’s degree.
FAMILY – Husband, Kyle; and son Baker.
NOMINATION – "Marie Pohl is a sixth-grade math teacher at (Glenwood Intermediate) whose love of math is evident through her engaging instruction. Mrs. Pohl’s love for math is contagious, and the students in her classroom push themselves to achieve at high levels as she shows them they can solve any math problem they try!"
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU TEACH? – Sixth-grade math
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? – I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in students’ lives every day. It’s my goal to help all students to believe that they can be successful in math and it’s very fulfilling when I get to see a student's confidence grow throughout the year. Also, working with kids is fun – middle schoolers make you laugh daily. I have the BEST colleagues and love being able to brainstorm new lesson ideas for our students with them.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? – Time. It's hard to feel like you are doing enough. You always wish that you could be doing more to help a student, or planning more, or small grouping more, but it never feels like there’s enough time.
WHAT SECRET TO SUCCESS WOULD YOU SHARE WITH STUDENTS? – Surround yourself with people who make you a better person and lift you up. Believe in yourself!
IS TEACHING KIDS THE SAME TODAY AS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED? – It’s both the same and different. Technology has become such an integral part of teaching that keeps evolving every day. It’s one of the best, yet, most challenging things – changing education and the lives of our students.
YOUR STUDENTS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT YOU … – … wanted to teach Kindergarten when I started college, but quickly realized that I loved working with middle schoolers after my first few field experiences and changed my major to middle childhood education.
WHAT IS YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? – I love searching for Pinterest recipes and trying to make new types of foods. Through all of the trial and error, I’ve become a pretty good cook.
IF YOU WEREN’T A TEACHER, YOU’D BE … – … a coffee shop owner.
AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RELAX? – Getting outside with my family for a walk, or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.
Other nominations
ALLIANCE
Angela Battershell, preschool teacher at Alliance Preschool – Angela is constantly working to improve her instruction. She is always implementing new strategies and doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of her students!
Heather Shive, choir at Alliance Middle School – Heather has done a fabulous job leading the choir concerts this school year and played an integral role in our high school musical. She is a dedicated staff member committed to providing a great experience for our choir students.
CANTON CITY
Dulce Myers, intervention specialist at McGregor – Ms. Myers exemplifies integrity, empathy, and dedication in her role as an educator. She has gone above and beyond to support students by giving her time to the After School Program and her time and energy in securing donations that directly benefit our school community.
Ross Fiorello, Choices High School – Mr. Fiorello's focus is on the students first and foremost, and he goes above and beyond to make sure students are on track for graduation and working up to their potential. He demonstrates excellence, community, and leadership by putting together a packet of next steps (drivers' license information along with information on any college, job, or trade school he has referenced) that the students can take with them and use as a guide for their next four years.
CANTON LOCAL
Michelle Carter, CSMS health teacher – Michelle's unwavering enthusiasm, dedication, and positive attitude make her an exceptional educator, brightening the lives of her students and colleagues alike. Her innovative teaching methods inspire a love for learning and create a nurturing classroom environment.
JACKSON LOCAL
Lindsay Fuzer, Grade 4 Language Arts and Social Studies – Mrs. Fuzer is a dynamic reading educator that employs innovative and engaging teaching methods to captivate students' interest in literature. Mrs. Fuzer fosters a learning environment that caters to individual learning styles and abilities while encouraging students to develop a genuine passion for exploring the world through literature. It is amazing to watch students grow into avid readers as they traverse through their fourth-grade language arts class with Mrs. Fuzer as their guide.
LAKE LOCAL
Kellie Shuman, first-grade teacher – Kellie Shuman, a first-grade teacher at Lake Primary, consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment, creativity, and passion in providing an enriching educational experience for our young learners at Lake Local. She uses engaging teaching methods that captivate all her students' interests. She goes above and beyond to provide individualized attention to each student, understanding the unique needs of first graders, making sure to cater to their learning styles, ensuring that every child feels supported and included. Kellie collaborates effectively with her team, always willing to help and support each one at any given moment. Kellie is an outstanding educator, leader, colleague and friend to everyone at Lake Primary.
Aeriana Ostich, Algebra 2-Honors, Algebra 1, Geometry – Now in her second year as a teacher at Lake Middle High School, Aeriana Ostich has demonstrated the enthusiasm of a young teacher, the work ethic of a veteran, and the organization and attention to detail that might be more common in a seasoned professional. Teaching three different courses to groups of students with a wide range of abilities and interests is certainly a challenge, and yet Miss Ostich works to establish and build a rapport with each student that helps to provide them with a classroom experience that is welcoming, nurturing, and productive. Students who might have struggled with math now experience success, and those who might have had other academic, personal, or emotional challenges are somehow relieved as they spend 50 minutes a day with a teacher will greet them with a smile, guide them in their learning, and care – no matter what.
LOUISVILLE
Brooke Whiteleather, Intervention K-2 Resource – Brooke Whiteleather is a master teacher in every sense of the word. She creates individualized learning plans for each one of her students, taking into account their skill and readiness level as well as the way each student is best able to access the curriculum. Brooke is a strong advocate for her students and their successes. Daily she helps her students to understand their feelings and emotions and how to work through a problem or difficulty and be able to move on. Her students are learning by example through Brooke and her teaching assistants. We are very fortunate to have Brooke Whiteleather at North Nimishillen Elementary School!
MARLINGTON LOCAL
Aubrey Spalding, second grade – Ms. Spalding is an excellent teacher who cares about all her students. She spends countless hours preparing her lessons, which are interesting and engaging. Ms. Spalding creates a wonderful and supportive environment in her classroom where all students thrive and enjoy coming to school every day.
Lynn Francis, science teacher – Mrs. Lynn Francis teaches Honors Biology, Honors Anatomy and Physiology and General Biology I and II College Credit Plus. She is an integral part of the culture and environment at Marlington High School. In addition to her duties as a teacher, Lynn goes above and beyond overseeing Student Council, Rotary Interact, and organizing a number of spirit days and other fun activities for the staff and students. Her experience and knowledge are invaluable while she serves on the District Leadership and Building Leadership teams and works to cultivate change and lead by example. Marlington High School is lucky to have Lynn Francis as one of its leaders.
MASSILLON
Laurie Dutton, speech and language pathologist – Franklin would like to recognize our spectacular speech pathologist Mrs. Dutton. Mrs. Dutton is a constant professional and this can be witnessed through her conversations, written documents, and lessons. She accomplishes all of these things with attention to detail and a sense of compassion. Mrs. Dutton, like all educators, goes above and beyond providing her time. Mrs. Dutton's giving is more about giving a sense of "you can do this" for her students. She gives hope and inspiration to worried parents and struggling students. We have a motto of "What You Do Matters," and she encompasses that motto.
Bill Jessup, sixth-grade science and Social Studies – Mr. Jessup is an absolute team player and an exemplary teacher. He creates a calm environment in his classroom through his routines and high expectations. Students know exactly what to expect and what is expected of them. Mr. Jessup communicates well with parents, works well with his team, and he always sees the best in students. Thank you, Mr. Jessup, for your hard work and dedication!
MINERVA LOCAL
Mrs. Frigyes, sixth-grade science – We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our exceptional educator Mrs. Frigyes, who has been selected as our Minerva Middle School Teacher of the Month for her outstanding contributions to our school community. Mrs. Frigyes embodies the qualities of a truly remarkable teacher – knowledgeable, caring, structured, and organized. Mrs. Frigyes is more than a teacher; she is an inspiration to her colleagues and students. Her commitment to excellence, paired with her caring and structured approach, sets a standard of teaching that enriches the entire school community.
NORTH CANTON
Amanda Cook, grades 3 through 5 intervention specialist – Amanda helps enhance the behavior support program for students at North Canton Intermediate School by always supporting students in and out of the classroom and working collaboratively with teachers in the classroom. Additionally, she always makes herself available to provide advice or assistance to all staff members throughout the building and develops great relationships with families. She is a great asset to North Canton Intermediate School.
Suzanne Bourlas, Grade 6 mathematics teacher – Suzanne makes the world a better place by going above and beyond to help her students while remaining the same caring, organized, compassionate and professional individual that she has been since she began her teaching career over 30 years ago. Suzanne stays after school for long hours working and often gives up her lunch and planning periods to help kids. All students and adults who meet Suzanne fall in love with her passion for teaching and caring for others, which is evident every day.
NORTHWEST LOCAL
Mary Nelson, career counselor (school counselor) – Mary has been a counselor at Northwest for the last eight years. This year, she took on a new role as our career counselor, a position created in response to the increased number of seniors, especially since COVID-19, lacking a plan and direction following their high school experience. Mary guided us through the suicide contagion in 2017-2018 and now has taken the reins of guiding our seniors post-graduation.
OSNABURG LOCAL
Matthew Mizer, kindergarten teacher – East Canton Elementary would like to recognize Mr. Matthew Mizer as our January Teacher of the Month! This is Mr. Mizer’s first year teaching at East Canton as a kindergarten teacher, but it is his seventh year in education. Mr. Mizer creates a caring environment for his students that promotes healthy learning habits such as embracing mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. Mr. Mizer is an excellent team member, and he works closely with his colleagues, the parents of his students, and the students themselves to create the best learning experience possible. Thank you, Mr. Mizer, for your great efforts on our Hornet PRIDE team!
Lisa Gothard, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and STEM teacher – It is an honor to nominate Mrs. Lisa Gothard as the Canton Repository Teacher of the Month. Mrs. Gothard's dedication to East Canton High School is truly commendable. As a Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and STEM teacher, she imparts knowledge and instills a passion for learning in her students. As the NHS advisor, Mrs. Gothard extends her commitment beyond the classroom, creating numerous opportunities for National Honor Society students to engage with and contribute to the local community. Her leadership in organizing the district education celebration in May and advancing other educational initiatives exemplifies her proactive approach to enhancing the overall educational experience. Mrs. Gothard's tireless efforts and enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to East Canton High School, and she is truly deserving of the Teacher of the Month recognition. Thank you, Mrs. Gothard, for your outstanding contributions to education and the community.
PERRY LOCAL
Justin Boggs, fourth grade – Mr. Boggs is a top-notch teacher who loves his students and is always challenging them to be their best. His involvement in the school community is refreshing, and he has done a wonderful job building relationships with students and families.
Susan Rusu, art – Susan is an advocate for the arts at Perry. Perry High would not be the same without her as she and her students brighten up the school each day. Whether it be painting windows, decorating the courtyards, or showcasing art during Veteran's Day, Ms. Rusu brings so much passion to art. Her students succeed at a very high level and often win state and national awards for their work.
PLAIN LOCAL
Marie Pohl, Grade 6 math – Marie Pohl is a sixth-grade math teacher at GWIS whose love of math is evident through her engaging instruction. Mrs. Pohl’s love for math is contagious, and the students in her classroom push themselves to achieve at high levels as she shows them they can solve any math problem they try!
Anna Massey, Cosmetology – Ms. Massey provides various opportunities and internships in the field for students to work at different salons in the community. She is a team player and wants the best for her students. Mrs. Massey is pursuing her master’s degree in counseling by taking classes after school and continues to grow professionally.
SEBRING LOCAL
Leann Laure, third grade – Mrs. Laure has mastered the art of third grade and getting her students to pass the third-grade reading guarantee. Mrs. Laure is able to meet each child where they are academically and helps to foster a love of learning with each student.
Mrs. Umbs, fifth-grade math and science – Mrs. Umbs has a great rapport with all the students in her classroom. Mrs. Umbs is able to work with her students one on one and in a group setting to make sure they understand each math concept and can feel confident in using mathematical strategies in and outside of the classroom
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Lori Burse, Arts (band, choir, etc.) – Lori Burse goes above and beyond in her role. She builds positive relationships with students and consistently does restorative circles with the students to build rapport and trust with them. She helped create our first annual Christmas Arts Festival. We are blessed to have her as part of the STA team. Lori's dedication to her students is truly remarkable. Not only does she ensure that they receive a quality education, but she also takes the time to form meaningful connections with each and every one of them. By conducting restorative circles, Lori provides a safe and welcoming space for students to share their thoughts and feelings, fostering a sense of community within the classroom. Her efforts to create the Christmas Arts Festival demonstrate her commitment to enriching the students' experiences beyond the classroom. It is evident that Lori's passion for teaching goes beyond the curriculum, and her presence at STA is invaluable.
STARK COUNTY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARIES
Mrs. Lisa Korosy, educational support – Mrs. Korosy has a strong background in education and a passion for assisting students.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Teacher of the Month: Marie Pohl, Plain Local
