Samantha Dunbar

Tell us why you became a teacher

From a young age, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. As a child, I would often play “school,” creating lessons and handing out pretend assignments to grade. That early passion stayed with me as I grew older. After graduating from high school, I chose to pursue a degree in special education, inspired in part by my experience working at a camp for children with Autism. That experience deepened my understanding of diverse learning needs and confirmed my desire to support and advocate for stude

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was working at a non-public school serving high school students with Autism. During my time there, I had the privilege of supporting students as they worked toward their individual goals. Watching them grow in confidence, develop essential life skills, and ultimately walk across the stage to receive their certificates of completion was incredibly rewarding. That experience reinforced my passion for special education and reminded me of the meaningful

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded the $25,000, one of my top priorities would be to create a dedicated sensory area for our school community. This space would provide students with a safe and supportive environment to regulate their emotions, build coping strategies, and return to learning ready to engage. By improving access to resources and creating intentional spaces for support, these funds would have a meaningful and lasting impact on student success.