JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Crystal Dunning is WLAF’s teacher of the week. Dunning teaches first grade at Jacksboro Elementary. 

This makes her 22nd year in the classroom. Dunning said she hadn’t always known she would be a teacher and in fact changed majors several different times, but “never felt satisfied.” After 22 years of teaching, she said she couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Crystal Dunning is WLAF’s teacher of the week. Dunning teaches first grade at Jacksboro Elementary. 

“Teaching allows me so many options.  With each new year, you get to build something special.”

Dunning said her favorite part of her job is the kids.  “They come to you with so many backgrounds, personalities, and talents and gradually as the year goes on, we become our own little family,” Dunning said.

She said it also makes her “extremely happy when I see what great young adults they become and hope that I may have had a little to do with it.” 

Dunning said that while this past year has been different, she thought it “spoke volumes” of what can be accomplished if “you are willing to go outside your comfort zone for the good of your community.” 

She said teachers, students and parents have all gone above and beyond this past year.

“I am beyond impressed how well my students have adapted to the requirements put in place this year.  The parents at our school have been amazing also.  They have done everything I have asked of them regarding these changes, and I feel we have still developed a healthy learning and social environment in our school.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/13/2021-6AM)