Shelly Dunn, content mastery teacher at College Hill Sixth Grade Academy, was recently named a regional finalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
The Arkansas Department of Education announced the 15 state finalists in a recent press release. Governor Asa Hutchinson and ADE Commissioner Johnny Key, along with family, friends and fellow educators, will honor the finalists Aug. 1 at the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock.
As a regional finalist, Dunn will receive a $1,000 cash award. She received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from East Texas State University. During her 34-year career, Dunn has taught fourth through eighth grade math, as well as social studies, science, English and reading. She is a certified elementary self-contained and early childhood through 12th grade special education teacher.
Dunn is described by her peers as a patient and kind person who is always willing to help her students and colleagues. She was recognized by the National League of Junior Cotillions as the "Best Mannered Teacher."
Dunn said she believes that all the challenges the education system faces can be overcome by developing a culture of kindness.
"I think if we all took a step back, we would realize almost everything boils down to kindness," she said. "If we as educators, administrators, parents, students and the community took it upon ourselves to create a culture of kindness and equality in our schools, then the education process would flourish.
-From Texarkana, Ark. School District