As the doors of the school open for a new year, Prince George welcomes many new teachers into the county. From science to mathematics, these teachers vary in the subjects they teach.

D-wing welcomed Catherine “Winnie” Dunn this year. She teaches Ecology and Biology I and attended Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

“I taught in Prince George from 2010-12 and loved it. I have gone from teaching Health, Medical Science, and EMT to teaching science, and it’s closer to my home than my school last year was,” Dunn said.

Dunn has had a lot of experience teaching, “This is my 24th year teaching. I have taught special education in Essex, Chesterfield, Hanover and King William counties. I have also taught Health and Medical Science in Chesterfield and Prince George. I have also taught EMT in Prince George, King William, Goochland, Hanover, and Henrico. I’ve been all over the place,” Dunn said.

Dunn became a science teacher because of her experience in the medical field and she had a mentor who influenced her.

“My third grade teacher was the major influence on my choice of becoming a teacher. She was absolutely amazing,” Dunn said.

Students can also be a major influence on a teacher’s career.

“I love watching students learn and realize they are much smarter than they give themselves credit for being,” Dunn said.

New teachers set up at least one goal to work towards each year.

“My goal is to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible and to encourage others to enjoy learning as much as I do,” Dunn said.

Teachers love their jobs, but even they can get a little nervous.

“I’m most excited about meeting new people and encouraging them to be their best self. I am most nervous about so many new names to learn and get them wrong,” Dunn said.

Many new teachers have a passion which influenced them to choose their profession.

“My passion is making people feel better and in my spare time, I am a volunteer paramedic in Hanover County and I love teaching others about EMS,” Dunn said.