Dawson is PBJHS Teacher of the Year

Poplar Bluff Junior High School science eighth teacher Lori Dawson runs her classroom with kindness and passion, according to students, coworkers, parents and others who know the educator.

Dawson was named as the 2020-21 Teacher of the Year for the campus after her second year there.

“Lori is one of those teachers you come across once in a great while,” American History teacher Kathleen Pattillo wrote in a letter submitted with Dawson’s nomination. “She is beloved by both her students and colleagues. Lori is kind, loving and cares about everyone with whom she comes in contact.

PBJHS Teacher of the Year Lori Dawson (second from left) with fellow teachers.Photo provided

“Lori gets to know every student as a whole person.”

Pattillo went onto to say Dawson shows students she believes in their success and has “mastered the art of being firm, but fair while building relationships.”

Dawson came to the Poplar Bluff R-I school district after 18 years with the Van Buren R-I district.

PBJHS Teacher of the Year Lori Dawson accepts a birthday card from some of her students.Photos provided

She also worked as an adjunct professor for Southwest Baptist University and Hannibal LaGrange University for a combined 12 years while at Van Buren.

Fellow science teacher Krista Yarbro said Dawson makes PBJHS a better place to be for students and teachers alike through her willingness to help, the ability to step up and openness to try things.

“Imagine you are a student who did not complete the homework because of home issues and you are hungry,” Yarbro wrote. “You act angry because you don’t want anyone to know the real reason you are upset.

“Ms. Dawson sees through this facade and directs you to her snack drawer and tells you the homework isn’t due until Friday anyway. You now know that while you are in her room, things are going to be OK.”

Student Kamren Lamb expressed a similar sentiment.

If a student is having a bad day, Lamb said, Dawson will go out in the hall and talk with them about what is wrong rather than sending them to the office.

“If she sees that you’re upset or angry at something, she comes to you and helps you stay calm and together, and by the end of the day, you are just amazed at how much she does for her students,” student Kaylee Gloyd wrote.

Parent Lori West said Dawson also makes herself accessible to parents for questions and concerns and always proves helpful.

“I can tell by the way my son talks about Mrs. Dawson that she has such a love and passion for teaching,” parent Christi Todd wrote. “She is passing her sweet, loving and energetic attitude for learning on to her students, and it shows in my son.”

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Editor’s Note: This is the third of 12 stories highlighting Butler County Teachers of the Year.