Special to the HT
MEEKER | As the school bell rang Monday, Meeker welcomed a mix of new and familiar teachers ready to inspire students and embrace the community.
Barone Middle School added a husband-and-wife team, Ted and Jana Dawson. Before introducing themselves, the Dawsons thanked the firefighters, including their nephew and Meeker graduate Charlie Day, for protecting the community during the recent wildfires.
The couple previously taught in Bagdad, Arizona, and lived in Tucson before moving to Meeker. Ted said his passion for education comes from encouraging students.
“There’s no other job where you get to say, ‘You can do it,’ and, ‘I believe in you,’ as much as coaching and teaching,” he said.
For Jana, the joy of working with kids sparked her career path.
“Being around kids is fun and energizing,” she said. “Every day something inspiring happens and, often, something hilarious and ridiculous happens. While attending MHS, I was an aide in the kindergarten for two years. Fun fact: my current next-door neighbor was one of the kindergartners I got to know during those years.”
Returning to her hometown was also a big factor in their move.
“I grew up in Meeker and my parents, sisters and many friends still live here, so Meeker was calling us to come home,” she said. “Also, our nephews and niece went through Meeker School District and have turned out great, so we know this is a quality place.”
The Dawsons said their first impressions of the community have been overwhelmingly positive.
“The amount of work the kids had put into their animals [at the Rio Blanco County Fair] was amazing and their conduct during the judging was really impressive,” they said. “Since the fires started, the generosity, support, and cooperation among people in this community has just been amazing to see.”
In the classroom, Ted said he focuses on hands-on learning.
“In addition to traditional paper and pencil math, students construct angles with tape and string, use rubber bands and meter sticks to study metric measurement and decimals, and groups of students have friendly competition against other teams to review,” he said.
Jana said she uses technology to get students involved.
“Slideshows and the doc cam help students get excited about sharing their ideas, writing and projects with their classmates,” she said.
The Dawsons are also eager to experience Meeker traditions.
“I can’t wait for the Homecoming parade, and I’m excited to attend the Sheepdog Trials,” Jana said.
Ted added, “I can’t wait for our first home game for girls’ basketball. Also, I want to see how late in the year I can get in the White River.”
They also shared a couple fun facts: Ted was recently shocked by an electric fence, and Jana carries a scar from when a 4-H steer kicked her.
“Never tie a steer to a post that they can walk around, kids,” she said with a laugh.
Outside the classroom, the couple enjoys music, hiking and road trips.
Also joining the district is Janelle Dobson, who will teach art and music at Meeker Elementary. Dobson has a background in choir and early childhood education, having served as interim choir director at Georgia-Cumberland Academy, taught at John L. Coble Elementary School, and worked at an early childhood learning center in Michigan.
“I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with people since high school,” she said. “I believe that education is the best profession for collaboration. I especially like seeing the ‘Ah-ha!’ moments in students. When I was a senior in high school, I was the soprano section leader of my choir. Being responsible for ensuring the section knew our parts is what made me fall in love with music education. There is so much beauty in different people coming together to make beautiful music.”
Dobson said she was drawn to Meeker because of its strong music culture.
“During my interview for Meeker Elementary, I immediately sensed how the administration supported each other and how well they work together,” she said. “This school district has a strong music community that I’m very excited to be a part of.”
She added that the warm welcome from colleagues has made her feel at home.
“Everyone has blown me away with how welcoming and helpful they are,” Dobson said. “The day that I moved into town, my colleagues rallied a group together to help me unload my car. I already feel like I belong in this community.”
Dobson said she uses “movement and silliness” to keep students engaged and is most looking forward to getting to know her students.
“We are gonna have fun learning together,” she said.
A fun fact: Dobson has never ridden a horse, though she hopes to soon. Outside of school, she enjoys outdoor activities, video games, longboarding, baking, cooking and traveling.
Also new to the teaching staff is Molly Doan, who is stepping into her first classroom role as a first-grade teacher after working as a special education paraprofessional and substitute in the district.
“I am currently finishing up my degree and first grade had an opening that I decided to apply for,” she said. “I love first grade and was excited for the opportunity.”
Doan said she looks forward to seeing the progress her students will make.
“I am most excited to see the growth the kids make every day,” she said. “They learn so much in first grade!”
She added that the school’s culture motivated her to apply.
“Everyone in this school cares so much about each child and not only are they kind and helpful to each kid, they do the same thing for each other,” she said.
Doan grew up in a small town in Ohio where half the population was Amish. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring with her family, cooking, baking and gardening.
“I enjoy traveling and exploring with my family during the summer,” she said. “I also love to cook and bake and I try my best to garden.”
With fresh ideas, strong ties to the community, and a shared passion for helping students grow, Meeker’s newest teachers are ready to dive into the school year. Whether it’s through music, math, English, or the milestones of first grade, each of them is eager to make a difference in the lives of their students and become part of the traditions that make the district special.
Superintendent Chris Selle said the district is fortunate to have the group join the staff.
“We are grateful for the new teaching staff in Meeker,” Selle said. “With the addition of Mrs. Doan, Mrs. Dobson, Mrs. Dawson, and Mr. Dawson, we are fully staffed. That is not something most rural school districts can claim. Each individual has come to us highly recommended. We are grateful they decided to become a member of the instructional staff in the Meeker School District!”
