18 NOVEMBER 2026 F or Mollie Dodd, education is about more than just what students learn from a textbook. It’s about exploration, sparking curiosity and giving youngsters the opportunity to discover what’s truly possible. She also well understands that it only happens with quality teachers and the resources that you provide to them. “I believe that the best and most effective teachers build a sense of community in their classroom, one that is based on trust, understanding and respect,” said Mollie. “If students feel that they’re in a safe space where they can make mistakes as they learn, they can achieve anything.” As executive director of the Madison Education Foundation, Mollie brings both the perspective of a former teacher and the heart of a parent. She is adamant that every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive. Mollie had an a-ha moment when she was a freshman at Southern Illinois University. “Like any 18-year-old, I wasn’t going to do what my parents suggested (they wanted her to be a teacher). So, I tried three other majors without success. Then one day I realized that teaching and working with young children is what made me happy. I changed my major that day and 20 years later I still love being a part of the education system,” said Mollie. She moved to Arizona in 2001 and taught in the Chandler Unified School District for seven years before eventually moving to Arcadia. She has been a substitute teacher at Tavan and Arcadia and also a tireless fundraiser for their booster clubs. When Mollie isn’t busy spearheading fundraising campaigns for the eight Madison elementary schools, she pursues another passion: pickleball. She even travels to compete in regional tournaments. “Pickleball is great fun but taking care of the kiddos in our public schools is where my heart is,” said Mollie with unmistakable passion. “It’s all about raising them up to be good human beings.” Mollie and her husband, Nick, have three adult children, Jackson, Emily and Katie, and they are all football zealots. “Football brings our family together, though our kids have divided loyalties among their college alma maters. It’s Notre Dame all the way for me and my husband.” Not surprisingly, Mollie loves reading and her favorite children’s books are Tops and Bottoms, The Giving Tree and anything by Dr. Seuss. Among her novel favorites are The People We Keep and current blockbuster, Theo of Golden. When Mollie isn’t involved with her many fundraising responsibilities she loves to travel, especially with family. “What encourages me most about young people is their ability to think outside the box and use their creativity with technology to help build a stronger community and world,” she said. Asked about her legacy and she didn’t hesitate. “I want to leave behind a legacy of making a difference in the lives of children and families and in my community. I hope to be remembered as a good mom, loving wife, and an advocate for education.” That legacy is already taking shape. Mollie Dodd Teaching and working with young children is what made me happy.

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