Golden Apple Award: Allyson Dunbar, Bess T. Shepherd
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Learning to read is the most important brick in the foundation of lifelong learning, but not every child learns the same way or at the same speed. That’s where teachers like Bess T. Shepherd’s Allyson Dunbar come in.
Dr. Sarah Lane is the Principal at Bess T.
She says, “Oh, there’s so many things I could tell you about Miss Dunbar, but most importantly, Miss Dunbar is the most amazing teacher. She really does an amazing job of bringing joy to the classroom. Every time I come in here there’s just an extreme joy for learning. The kids love it in here. The classroom environment is so positive.”
When asked to describe herself Ms. Dunbar says,” Allyson Dunbar is a wife, teacher, mother, friend, sister. I’ve been teaching for 21 years, this is actually my 22nd year. I’ve been in Hamilton County for over half of that time. My eighth grade teacher Mr. Crowe actually inspired me to become a teacher. He was a history teacher, and I never enjoyed history, but that year he just. I always had a love for learning, but he just made everything so fun, and he made a subject that was not enjoyable for me become enjoyable for me because he put everything to music or acting things out. So, I’ve tried to incorporate a lot of that into my teaching as well.”
She continues, “I just love being with the children. I love their excitement for learning. I love seeing their growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, and how far they come. I love seeing them light up whenever something clicks for them, and they learn new things. I did always want to be a teacher. My family would make fun of me because, or tease me, when I was in preschool age; if I I would have my little easel and I would be out practicing. If I didn’t write things just right, I would get really upset. So. it’s just something that’s always been a passion of mine. I do care, and so it’s nice to see that others recognize that, that we put in countless hours and pour into these children. I think of them as my own children, as well, so I want them to remember that I love them and that I truly care about them, and that I know that they can do wonderful and amazing things with their life.”
