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Vail HS English teacher Amanda Dunn goes beyond the textbook

Vail High School's Amanda Dunn says teaching is in her blood. The nominee for the Arizona Athletics High School Teacher of the Year Award has a family history in the profession.
Posted at 6:14 AM, Jan 19, 2023
and last updated 2023-01-19 08:32:51-05

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Amanda Dunn is an English teacher at Vail Academy and High School.

“I’ve been working here for 7 years,” says Dunn. But teaching is in her blood.

Dunn says, “I come from a long line of teachers. Both my grandparents were teachers and my dad as well.”

When she was in 6th grade, she knew right away she wanted to follow in their footsteps. It’s a career that has brought Dunn so much joy.

She says, “I love that every day is completely different. Being with them all day, learning what they know and helping them reach their full potential.”

And she’s not just an English teacher. Dunn also coaches chess and track at the high school.

Regardless what she’s teaching her students, Dunn works hard to help shape the next generation.

Dunn says, “I work really hard to live by example and show the hard work, caring, and compassion that my parents taught me and I try to instill those values in my students.”

Dunn is one of nine finalists up for the teacher of the year award.

The winner will be announced on Feb. 18.

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Phil Villarreal is the senior real-time editor for KGUN 9. He is also a digital producer and host of "Phil on Film" seen weekly on Good Morning Tucson, Phil moved to KGUN after 17 years with the Arizona Daily Star. He is married and has four children. Share your story ideas and important issues with Phil by emailing phil.villarreal@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.