My name is Mrs. Dunn and I am so excited to be teaching at Benjamin Franklin High School this year! I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to you. 

Educational Background

• BA in Social Studies Education at Utah Valley University

  • Global Intercultural Initiative 

Welcome!

I'm thrilled to be starting my second year at BFCS, where I teach 7th Grade Western Civilizations and Western Civilizations I. I earned my degree in Social Studies Education from Utah Valley University, with a distinction in Global Intercultural Relationships. I have a deep love for travel and am always eager to engage with new cultures and perspectives. Outside of the classroom, you’ll often find me playing Dungeons & Dragons, reading, or experimenting with arts and crafts.

Educational Philosophy

I believe that education is the foundation of a strong and thriving society—and that our students are the key to its future. In my classroom, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where curiosity is encouraged and critical thinking is central. I bring an open mind, a positive outlook, and high expectations to my teaching every day. My goal is to inspire a love of learning that lasts far beyond the school year, empowering students to grow into thoughtful, confident, and compassionate individuals.

Favorite Quote

“It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going, because they were holding on to something. That there is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien

This excerpt from The Lord of the Rings reminds us that history, like those great stories, is often filled with hardship and struggle—but also with perseverance and hope. Not every chapter ends happily, but again and again, people have chosen to keep going, to stand for what is right, and to believe in something better. As we study the past, we can learn from those examples—building character, resilience, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Values like courage, fairness, and compassion are timeless and worth holding onto.

What I’m Looking Forward to...

I’m so excited to be part of BFHS’s amazing culture of excellence and community. I look forward to getting to know each of you, sharing my passion for history, and making this school year one of growth, discovery, and connection.