Second-grade teacher Dawn-Marie Ayles and visiting  kindergartener Lauren Lindsey listen to a story written by one of Ayles’ second graders. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Second-grade teacher Dawn-Marie Ayles found her niche in drama years ago when she starred in theater productions on the Bromfield stage. "Being a part of theatre at Bromfield really gave me confidence. It was such an important part of my high school career and who I ultimately turned out to be. My classroom is now my stage," she says. "I love being a part of the theatre history at Bromfield. It is such a big part of the school and the community. Every time I walk into the theatre, I feel a sense of calm; it is an honor to be part of that legacy."

Ayles' small graduating class felt like family. "That made it such an easy decision to come back to work in Harvard; it felt like coming home. Every time I drive past Bromfield and look over Bare Hill Pond, I am in awe at how my life has come full circle," she says.

Now Ayles shines brightly on another stage—one just as rewarding—with her second-grade students at Hildreth Elementary School. "It was always what I wanted to do," she said. She grew up in Leominster and comes from a family of teachers. "My parents really had the greatest influence in my life. I am so grateful for their sacrifices and their dedication to my education. When they made the decision to School Choice my brothers and me to Harvard, they created an opportunity for us to meet people who otherwise would have never been in our lives. I saw that they took our education seriously, that they wanted the best for us. In the beginning I didn't agree with the decision, but in the end it was the best for us."

After Bromfield, Ayles graduated from Fitchburg State College and later earned a master's degree in creative arts in education from Lesley University. She taught second grade in Shirley for two years, followed by three years in the Wachusett Regional School District. Now she is happy to be "back home" in Harvard.

Ayles and her husband, Steve, live in Lunenburg with their three children, Jillian, 7; Caroline, 3; and Nathaniel, 2. "This year is especially poignant for me because my daughter is in second grade," she says. "I see things that I do with my class in such a different light. I think of her and how memorable I want her second grade experience to be." She adds, "The thing I like most about my job is that each day is new. Every day is a fresh start, a chance to teach students something that they didn't know the day before."

Asked what she likes to do in her spare time, she says, "Spare time? What spare time!" After teaching all day, she starts her other job driving her children to dance classes and to visit their friends, teaching CCD classes, and supervising homework. "I love it all and do it with a smile," she says.

Teaching, for her, is a two-way street. "The students always teach me to stay in the moment. Second-graders live for right now; it is a reminder to slow down, that the impromptu 'teachable' moments are just as important as the planned lessons. I want my students to be allowed to be kids, to play, to learn, and to be excited about coming to school every day. Altogether these moments make for a memorable year," she says.

Ayles hopes to teach at HES for many years to come, challenging her students, making each day significant, and helping the students become successful learners and confident, considerate citizens.

Suzanne Mahoney is the interim principal of Hildreth Elementary School.