Staff photo / Ashley Fox
Taking a minute to stretch their legs during a movie day are students of Dawn Cameron, teacher at Lordstown Elementary School. Cameron is an A+ Teacher recipient who takes a creative approach to teaching her students lessons so they are engaged in lessons, but she also keeps in mind “they’re people first.”

She has to believe in what she’s teaching her students, and more importantly, she has to believe in the approach she’s using to reach them.

“You have to adapt,” she said, standing in her Lordstown Elementary School classroom. It’s full of colors, baseball pennants and posters. “You have to do things that are exciting and fun.”

These are just some of the reasons why Cameron was chosen as an A+ Teacher award recipient this year.

Cameron, who’s getting ready to wrap up her 32nd year as a teacher, recognizes that students are under increasing pressure each year in society and academically with state testing.

That’s why she focuses on bringing her students out of their shells, creating a safe space for them to feel comfortable.

The biggest lesson she’s learned is what guides her lessons and approach to teaching: “They’re people first,” she said.

Cameron’s ways have made a lasting impression on former students, like Rose Mazurkiewicz.

“Even though we don’t talk every day, she has left a lasting impact on all her students. She has inspired me to become a teacher,” Mazurkiewicz stated in her nomination letter.

Lessons expanded outside of the classroom, like when Mazurkiewicz’s little sister was diagnosed with cancer and then she herself was a year later, among other things going on at home.

“(Cameron) went beyond her role as a teacher, offering love and care both inside and outside the classroom … She was right there again, offering the same unwavering love and encouragement,” Mazurkiewicz wrote.

Since 1991, teachers across Trumbull County have been nominated for the A+ Teacher awards for their creativity and passion they bring to the classroom, molding their students’ lives.

The program is a partnership with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center, Trumbull Retired Teachers Association Outback Steakhouse in Niles.

“Great teachers don’t just go the extra mile, they turn the journey into an adventure, blending dedication with imagination every step of the way,” Sue Shafer, Tribune Chronicle community events coordinator, said. “Through creative approaches and extracurricular classes, they open doors to new passions, helping students discover talents that traditional lessons might never reveal.”

That’s the exact sentiment of Samuel Caputo, teacher at Girard High School.

While he teaches various subjects, walking into his room, a visitor or student is drawn to the collage of musicians that includes John Lennon of The Beatles, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Chris Cornell of Soundgarden.

Caputo, who’s at the end of his 24th year in his career, also teaches world studies and was principal for three years before heading back to the classroom.

His versatile ways of teaching lessons have struck a chord with his students, like Brendan Bishop, who nominated Caputo.

“He teaches in many different ways so that every (student) will get the chance to learn their way and so that everybody understands the topic,” Brendan wrote.

He added that he enjoys Caputo’s classes so much, Brendan is considering taking all of the teacher’s electives in the next school year.

It’s all proof that Caputo’s teachings go hand in hand with his philosophy — helping his students start their journey to finding out a little about themselves.

“We learn science and math to understand life,” he said, adding he was paraphrasing a quote he’d heard before. “The humanities are what make life worth living.”

Those humanities are the classes like art, woodshop, or in Caputo’s case, a history of music class.

Teaching those kinds of creative courses “helps (students) figure out who they’re going to be,” he said.

The rest of the Class of 2025 are:

• Katherine Ahmed, Champion High School;

• Sarah Griffin, Champion High School;

• Nathan Sensabaugh, Lakeview High School;

• Tami Morrison, Roosevelt Elementary School;

• Lauren Patton, Niles Middle School;

• Stephanie Collier, Lincoln PK-8;

• Janell Richardson, Willard PK-8;

• Lisa Street, Trumbull Career and Technical Center.

Katherine Ahmed

SCHOOL: Champion High School

NOMINATION: “Despite her serving in the military for 8 years and teaching for 21 years, she has never had a day where she is angry … Her class has always been a safe space for many students because of how great of a teacher she is.” — Dante Deuley, student

“She teaches grades 5-12 and I am so glad to have her. She doesn’t just teach music, acting, and dancing. She also teaches us life skills.” — Ani Gandee, student

Sarah Griffin

SCHOOL: Champion High School

NOMINATION: “She has the unique ability to make her teaching methods understandable to her students, and she takes the time to make sure that everyone understands the material.” — Addison Jenkins, student

Samuel Caputo

SCHOOL: Girard High School

NOMINATION: “He teaches in many different ways so that every (student) will get the chance to learn their way and so that everybody understands the topic. Mr. Caputo has speeches in class like no other.” — Brendan Bishop, student

Nathan Sensabaugh

SCHOOL: Lakeview High School

NOMINATION: “I am happy to say that Mr. Sensabaugh has inspired me to continue music for the rest of my life. His love for teaching has made me realize that I would like to follow along in his footsteps and teach the future generations the importance of music.” — Chelsea Dean, student

Dawn Cameron

SCHOOL: Lordstown Elementary School

NOMINATION: “I think back to elementary school, and I think of her. I think back to my love of learning, and I think of her. I think about why I am the way I am, and it leads back to her. Her kindness lights up a room.” — Rose Mazurkiewicz, former student

Tami Morrison

SCHOOL: Roosevelt Elementary

NOMINATION: “She is one of those impactful teacher(s) that you would remember for the rest of your life! Her teaching method keeps all the kids interested.” — Priscilla Gallagher, parent

Lauren Patton

SCHOOL: Niles Middle School

NOMINATION: “She has a unique teaching style that challenges students to think for themselves. She gives clear instruction but allows the students to explore and learn to problem-solve solutions … She works diligently to help students succeed with technology.” — Ally Rozier, Asher Jackson, Ariel Dahman, Caleb Dial, students

Stephanie Collier

SCHOOL: Lincoln PK-8

NOMINATION: “Everyone gets so much done in her class & time flies by because we’re always having fun!” — Teagan Harford, student

Janell Richardson

SCHOOL: Willard PK-8

NOMINATION: “In her classroom it is like a safe space for kids. She inspires and support each student she has.” — Azarriah Phillips, student

Lisa Street

SCHOOL: Trumbull Career and Technical Center

NOMINATION: “From the very first day of class, her enthusiasm was contagious. She has a unique ability to connect with her students, making each lesson engaging and relevant.” — Julianne Steen, student