Influencer of the Week: Jennie Dunn, Foundation Academy

Jennie Dunn has called Foundation Academy home for four years now as a first-grade teacher and has spent 16 years in education. Dunn graduated from Florida State University with a degree in elementary education before earning her master’s degree in education at the University of Florida. She started her teaching career at Lake Whitney Elementary School.
 

What do you love most about your school?

I love Foundation Academy’s family atmosphere, supportive administration and the high standards of excellence in education from Pre-K through 12th grade.
 

What brought you to Foundation?

Foundation Academy has a good reputation in the community and a long history of excellence for student achievement and faculty satisfaction in a faith-based atmosphere.
 

What’s your favorite part of your job?

First grade is a year of substantial growth. I enjoy watching my students grow academically, spiritually and socially throughout the school year as I prepare them to meet the challenges of second grade.
 

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

The foundation my students receive in first grade will prepare them for the upper grades, as well as for the rest of their lives academically, spiritually and socially.
 

What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

Administration, faculty and staff members are always there to support you on a daily basis or when a personal or family emergency comes up. Students and parents are also always thoughtful, respectful and supportive. Parents willingly partner with the teachers to facilitate their child’s education.
 

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends at Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and other local attractions. I also enjoy spending time with my family at the beach or in the mountains but can also be content just hanging out at home with them.
 

What’s your favorite restaurant and favorite meal?

It is hard to pick a favorite, because Winter Garden has so many wonderful local restaurants. My family loves everything ... pizza, pasta, tacos, sushi and BBQ.
 

What fun talents do you possess?

I would say that my best talents would be having good organizational and planning skills so that I can have my rewarding teaching career as well as enjoy a wonderful family life raising my children and being a partner to my husband.
 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have traveled a lot in the U.S and have been to England, but if I could travel anywhere else in this great country, I would like to go to Hawaii and Alaska with my family and enjoy the beauty of those two very different places.
 

If you could meet anyone — past or present — who would it be and why?

I would like to meet some of the Biblical figures and some of the Founding Fathers of our country. I would like to hear their thoughts about our country and our world today.