Hello!  I'm Liz Dodson, and I am so excited to be a part of Ballentine Elementary School.  I have been teaching Elementary General Music since 2014.   

I am a Newberry College alumni (2010-2014).  I majored in Music Education and minored in Church Music.  During my time at Newberry I participated in numerous ensembles and performed in multiple musicals at the college and the Newberry Opera House.  My favorite performances were part of the Newberry Madrigal's Choir directed by Dr. Chris Sheppard, and the Newberry College Jazz Band under the direction of Professor Bill Long.  I am an active member of the Academic Advisory Committee for Newberry College's Department of Music, and enjoy supporting my alma matter.

Presently, I am attending Liberty University online in pursuit of a Masters of Education degree in Instruction and Curriculum Design with an emphasis on technology integration. I graduate December of 2022! 

I had the honor of teaching in Lexington School District 2 at the start of my career, first at BC Grammar No. 1 then Riverbank Elementary School.  With my experience, I've had the privilege to teach piano, ukulele and choir along with general music.  Through grant writing, I was able to fund many projects and field trips for my former students.  I served as the school's DJ for most events, and loved every minute of it. I also had the pleasure of working with Quaver Music, an online music curriculum, to align the South Carolina General Music Standards to the lesson modules. I continue these duties along with my typical class load here at Ballentine. I truly LOVE my job.

When I'm not teaching, I often volunteer for my church's worship team.  I have a great love of music and performing arts, and it is something that I continue to do in my spare time.  My husband Justin and I enjoy running, cycling, and camping.