New Teacher

Dawn Clawson Is Back

Adora Land Staff Writer
Shandta Lambert Staff Writer
Mrs. Clawson has returned to teach at Central after a year leave. During the 2003-2004 school year, Mrs. Clawson’s husband became ill with cancer and needed heart surgery. She decided to take a leave for the 2004-2005 school year in order to spend time with him and nurse him back to good health. During her leave, she and her husband enjoyed a Caribbean cruise; visited with friends in England; visited family in Australia, Portland, Oregon; and in Bellington, Washington. She also enjoyed many trips to her cabin in South Dakota. When asked about how she felt about her return to Central, she said, “Its overwhelming because teachers do so much work, have lots of names to learn and it’s hard work”.
A native of Australia, Mrs. Clawson has been living in St. Paul, Minnesota for 29 years. Before becoming a teacher she was doing research at the University of Minnesota, study-ing how the body fights off infections. She attended three colleges: Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia; the University of Minnesota; and the University of St. Thomas.
Before teaching at Central she spent four years teaching at St. Bernards High School and has been at Central for nine years. This year at Central she is teaching regular Biology and Pre-IB Biology. She said, “I enjoy the diversity of the students at Central”. She is also the advi-sor of a new organization called “Roots and Shoots”. The group is looking into “interdisciplinary education as a way to research more students”.
In her spare time she likes to read and work in her garden. Her advise for students is “ to pay attention in class and do what’s right”