For Mrs. Dunn, the honor is deeply meaningful.
“Being named the 2026–2027 DTHS Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor and one that holds deep personal meaning for me,” she shared. “It represents the culmination of years of dedication, reflection, and growth.”
After going through the process multiple times, Mrs. Dunn said this recognition feels like reaching a long-standing personal goal — one built on persistence, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her students and the Delcastle community.
Professionally, she sees the award as both affirming and motivating.
“It reinforces the importance of the work I do each day in my classroom — from lessons to extracurriculars,” she said. “And, it challenges me to continue growing as an educator and serve as a model of effective teaching practices, strong classroom procedures, and meaningful student engagement.”
As a mathematics instructor, Mrs. Dunn has built a classroom environment where students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and see the real-world value of what they are learning. One of the things she loves most about teaching at Delcastle is the opportunity to connect math to the career and technical pathways students are passionate about pursuing.
“Math is practical, relevant, and immediately applicable in many vocational-technical education settings,” she said. “I can be leading exploration in algebraic relationships, geometric concepts, or trigonometric applications and make connections to construction and mechanical trades, medical careers, and consumer services like culinary arts and cosmetology. These connections make the learning more authentic for the students.”
That authenticity, she says, is what helps make Delcastle such a special place to teach.
But more than anything, Mrs. Dunn says her students are what keep her inspired.
“I come back, day after day, year after year, because of the individuals who enter my classroom each day,” she said. “It’s all about my students. They are the reason I enter the building each day and the reason I continue to grow as an educator.”
Her work at Delcastle reaches far beyond mathematics instruction. In addition to her role in the classroom, Mrs. Dunn serves as advisor for National Honor Society and as a SkillsUSA Related Technical Math coach, creating opportunities for students to grow as leaders, thinkers, and active members of their community.
“As a mathematics instructor, National Honor Society adviser, and SkillsUSA Related Technical Math coach, I hope to impact students by empowering them to see their value — both in what they know and in who they are becoming,” she said.
In her classroom, she intentionally creates a space where student voice is not only welcomed, but celebrated. Through collaborative lessons, problem-solving, and discussion, students build confidence in both their mathematical thinking and their ability to communicate their ideas. Beyond the classroom, her work with NHS and SkillsUSA helps students strengthen leadership, service, professionalism, and self-belief.
“I want to ensure my students feel heard, supported, and are empowered to take ownership of their learning and their ideas,” Mrs. Dunn said. “I want them to develop as leaders just as much as I want them to develop as learners.”
That commitment to student empowerment reflects the very heart of Delcastle’s mission. Whether she is helping students solve complex math problems, guiding NHS members through meaningful service opportunities, or coaching SkillsUSA competitors as they sharpen their technical and professional skills, Mrs. Dunn is helping shape the next generation of leaders.
Following the announcement, her message to the Delcastle community was centered on gratitude.
“To my students, thank you,” she said. “Your ideas, voices, and willingness to engage in the learning are what make our classroom community so powerful.”
She also recognized the support of her colleagues and the larger school community.
“To my colleagues, this recognition is a reflection of the collaborative culture we have built together,” she said. “To the DTHS community, thank you for supporting an environment where students are always preparing for their futures beyond the classroom.”
For Mrs. Dunn, this recognition is not a finish line — it is a call to continue the work that matters most.
“This recognition is not an endpoint, but a reminder of the responsibility we all share — to continue creating spaces where students feel heard, supported, and empowered,” she said. “As we continue to serve to the best of our own abilities, we will continue to empower our DTHS students to transform their lives today and tomorrow.”
At Delcastle, Mrs. Dunn exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, teach with heart, and believe deeply in the potential of every student. We are proud to honor her as our 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year and grateful for the energy, excellence, and care she brings to #CougarNation every day.