Stephanie Dunn, a teacher at Creekside Elementary School in Franklin, won Indiana’s Academic Coach of the Year award. She has been teaching for 19 years and is known for pushing her students beyond the classroom curriculum to excel at an elevated level. Dunn coaches the school’s math and science bowl teams, which have achieved success at the state championship level.

Dunn’s love for teaching stems from her desire to inspire students, much like her fifth-grade teacher inspired her. She enjoys the unfiltered stories that students share and finds humor in them, even on the most stressful days. Dunn’s passion for teaching is evident in her dedication to her students and her involvement in extracurricular activities like coaching math and science bowl teams.

In addition to her teaching career, Dunn is actively involved in 4-H and assists the Johnson County Fair board. She has a love for horses, decorating, and traveling. Dunn’s classroom is decorated with a cactus theme, reflecting her love for Arizona. Despite the challenges that come with changes in society and curricula, Dunn remains committed to teaching and inspiring future educators.