3rd Grade Teachers

3rd grade team pic
From left to right: Mrs. Beck Room 210, Mrs. Rickerby Room 214, Mr. Swavely Room 215,
Mrs. Ali-Warmkessel Room 213, Mrs. China Instructional Support




I have been teaching in Allentown School District for 23 years.  I love reading, cats, travel, and spending time with my friends and family.  My goal is that all of my 3rd graders will grow this year.   --Mrs. Laura Beck

Hello my name is Marlene Rickerby. I have been teaching at Dodd for 15 years, and have taught third grade for 13 of those years. I live at home with my husband and my two children, Liam and Olivia. I love teaching and can’t wait to share some new, exciting skills and strategies with my students. My goal for this year is to celebrate growth, create an inviting classroom and instill the love of learning to each and every student in school and beyond.

I have been an elementary teacher for 18 years and often have coffee stains on my shirt. --Mr. Swavely


Hello everyone! I’m very excited to grow and learn with you all. This is my 4rd year at Dodd Elementary, 17th year in teaching. I am from Texas, and moved to Pennsylvania in 2004. I have a very BIG family and a tiny dog named Oreo. A fun fact about me is that I love chocolate covered pretzels!--Mrs. Ali-Warmkessel


I have been teaching for 20 years,  16 of them here in Allentown.   I have three children, a dog and a guinea pig.  I enjoy reading, gardening and lacrosse.  I look forward to having a great year with everyone.   --Mrs. China