Lindsay Dunning has been teaching for 15 years, six of those being at Fair Grove, and has lived many lives prior to finding her passion for teaching.
Dunning currently teaches at Fair Grove High School, teaching biology and chemistry, sponsoring S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the A+ Tutoring Program, with additionally becoming the Fair Grove Middle School Cheer Co-Sponsor in the 2024-2025 school year.
Dunning grew up in Fair Grove High School, graduating and then moving on to attend Drury pursuing a degree in Psychology. Dunning stated, “My first job out of college was in human resources and I quickly realized that wasn’t for me. I wanted something in the sciences.” She later returned to Drury in order to obtain a degree in Biology.
With that degree, she was then able to get her childhood dream job; she began working as a zookeeper, primarily with African mammals. “After several years, I realized that educating the public about these animals and the environment was where my passion was. I then entered education and got my masters degree in teaching,” said Dunning.
After nine years of teaching at Marion C. Early, Dunning ended up at Fair Grove. She believes that she is so lucky to be in Fair Grove where she is teaching the best students ever.
At Fair Grove High School, Dunning currently sponsors S.A.D.D. She has sponsored the club for the past three years, and as of this year, she also sponsors the A+ Tutoring Program. Hannah Bruner (12), a member of both extracurriculars and previously a student in her classes stated, “One of my favorite qualities of Mrs. Dunning is how ambitious and boundless she is. She has done countless things from being a teacher, to a mom, to a zoo keeper.”
Bruner furthermore stated, “Mrs. Dunning pushes me to be the same way, and the life she has lived makes me think about how much fear holds us back from doing amazing things. But, fear has never held Dunning back, and I admire her for that.”
Dunning also has had a positive impact on the community as a whole. Bruner added, “Mrs. Dunning adds to the community in so many ways. She keeps things fun, but provides the highest quality of education she possibly can. She is someone you can confide in, and someone who will be more excited about your accomplishments than you.”
After six years of teaching at Fair Grove schools, Lindsay Dunning continues to educate students in fields of science while also keeping them safe and smart with sponsoring clubs like S.A.D.D.
