JoEllen Dunn

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I felt as though my science education was in adequate. I remember my principal investigator at my first job after college telling me I could set up my own experiment and I froze with freight. It dawned on me at that moment, that no one ever taught me how to set up my own experiments in my 16 years as a student. I became a teacher so my students will know how to do scientific research on their own.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most rememberable moment teaching was founding the Garden Club at my school. I remember one day, early in spring, I had thirty students come out and participate in club that day. I was so proud of my accomplishment with the student enrollment and seeing how much they enjoyed the Garden Club.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received $25,000, I would pay for my own two children's college education. My two children will be off to college in 2-3 years. I would put the money in a CD for 2 years and then help pay their tuition. I graduated with $30,000 in student loans and hope to not have the same for my children.