Polk County Middle School welcomed several new educators to its faculty for the 2026-27 school year as well as the return of one familiar face.
The group includes teachers with deep Polk County roots as well as an educator beginning her first year in North Carolina. Some are returning to familiar classrooms, while others are beginning a new chapter at Polk Middle.
Here, in their own words, Logan Luckadoo, Lauren Dotson, Kathryn Sushil and Jamie Graber introduce themselves and share what they’re looking forward to this school year.
Logan Luckadoo, sixth-grade exceptional children teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Logan, and I’m so excited to be at Polk Middle School as a sixth-grade EC teacher! This is my fourth year teaching and my second year in Polk County, and I truly couldn’t be happier to be here. I absolutely love the people, the sense of community, and getting to work with such amazing students and staff every day. I’m looking forward to another incredible year filled with growth, learning, lots of laughter, and making lasting memories. I can’t wait to see what this school year has in store!
Lauren Dotson, seventh-grade science teacher
My name is Lauren Dotson, and this year I will be teaching seventh-grade science at Polk County Middle School. I am a proud graduate of Polk County High School (Go Wolverines!) and I am also a proud graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Aggie Pride!). I am looking forward to pouring back into a place that poured so much into me. Polk County is truly a special place, and I am so excited to be a part of it!
Kathryn Sushil, eighth-grade language arts teacher
Hi, my name is Mrs. Sushil! I’m a sixth-year ELA teacher, but this is my first year teaching in North Carolina. I just moved here from Alaska with my husband and two fur babies. I graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2019 with a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2020. In Alaska, I taught at Hanshew Middle School for one year, as well as Robert Service High School for four years. When I’m not teaching, you’ll probably find me baking something in my kitchen or watching the newest films at the movie theater. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life!
Jamie Graber, sixth-grade math teacher
Hi! My name is Jamie Graber, and I’m so excited to be joining Polk County Middle School as a sixth-grade math teacher! As a proud product of Polk County Schools, this community has always held a very special place in my heart. I previously taught at Polk Middle for eight years before taking a break to be home with my beautiful daughter, Ellie. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to the classroom and invest in the students and community that invested so much in me. Coming back feels a little like coming home, and I’m so excited for this new chapter!
Pictured, clockwise from upper left: Logan Luckadoo, Lauren Dotson, Jamie Graber, Kathryn Sushil
