Susan Odiam, the third grade general studies teacher here at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), is not only new to the school itself, but she has recently entered the HBHA family. However, she is far from being a fledgling teacher. Having taught students for twenty-nine years, fourteen of which have been with third graders, HBHA has the honor of celebrating Mrs. Odiam’s 30th anniversary educating students. “My first fifteen years were in special education and this is year fifteen in third grade, so it’s about half and half.”

Mrs. Odiam’s first 15 years were spent educating students with disabilities usually affecting their ability to learn. After being inspired by her disabled cousin when she was younger, Mrs. Odiam desired to help people like him. “He was such a neat young man and I wanted to work with people like him”. However, after contributing fifteen years to educating the disabled, Mrs. Odiam decided to shift her teaching career and dedicate it to third graders. “They are becoming more independent but they are still at an age where they are really enjoying school and they are just a great age.”

Prior to arriving at HBHA, Mrs. Odiam taught at a school called Linden West Elementary that lies within the North Kansas City district. After deciding to take her educational career elsewhere, Mrs. Odiam had to choose between an HBHA third grade teaching job and an Oak Hill Day School fourth grade job. “My heart’s in third grade. And, I mean, Oak Hill seemed nice but this seemed like a special place to be,” she says explaining the reason for deciding to educate at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. In addition, the previous school Mrs. Odiam worked at consisted of approximately 600 kids – kindergarten through fifth grade. However, arriving at HBHA, Mrs. Odiam understood that HBHA would only encompass about 230 students. “I think it’s easier [teaching a smaller crowd]. It’s more like a family here at HBHA… and the students – having been together for so long – have established really great friendships and that’s something really enjoyable.”

Mrs. Odiam knew about HBHA through her husband, Richard Odiam, who works in Jewish Family Services (JFS). Located in the same building as Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, both Mr. and Mrs. Odiam were aware of the school. However, though she greatly appreciates her time here, she has faced an arduous challenge from recently changing work locations. Mrs. Odiam states that she tends to hold onto things, and “having to leave some things in my old building…. that’s kind of hard.” Nonetheless, Mrs. Odiam quickly mentions that otherwise, it has been a “pretty easy transition.”

Mrs. Odiam appreciates being part of the HBHA family. Though she’s had to adjust to the new, less populated environment,  she finds it amazing how supportive the students and staff are. She looks forward to spending her upcoming years here, and she “feels honored and privileged to be here at HBHA.”