Longtime 3rd grade teacher wins this week’s Golden Apple Award – WKRG News 5

Mobile, Alabama (WKRG) — Many may recognize Erica Dunn from her experience in the Mobile County public school system. Dunn has been teaching her third grade for the past 29 years.

“I was on jury duty a few years ago and ran into one of the old students….”

“And he was a judge…”

“No, no,” she said with a laugh.

I always emphasize how kindergarten and first grade teachers can see this kind of progress in their young students throughout the year. However, things changed when he was in third grade.

“In other grades, they teach them. They learn how to read. But when they come to third grade, they read to learn,” she said.

Just ask Janay Rothschild, who named Miss Dan the Golden Apple with the help of her mother.

“MS. Dan, she helped me with my reading pace when I needed help with things like reading and speed reading,” Journay said.

“She first came to me and told me how Ms. Dan made her feel special,” said her mother, Christie. “She encouraged her and I watched her grow.” rice field.”

And Dan’s engagement with students goes beyond the classroom.

“I try to be more than just a teacher. Every year, I find out what their hobbies are and I go out and see them at their basketball courts, their dance recitals, etc.,” Dan says. Told.

Congratulations to Erica Dunn and Mary B. Austin Elementary for a job well done.