Brenna Dunham has always been drawn to helping others learn, but it took a decade working in the nonprofit world before she realized the classroom was where she truly belonged. After 10 years in development, marketing and public relations, she noticed that the part of her job she loved most was educating people about the mission and impact of the organizations she served. She was also teaching fitness classes on the side and, coming from a family of educators, the idea of moving into education kept surfacing. While coordinating the Allen Family Opportunity Scholarship and meeting its impressive candidates, her decision was solidified, she was ready to make the jump into teaching.

Now beginning her eighth year with Enid Public Schools, Dunham serves students at Enid High School through English classes and the EHS Works Career Preparation and Training program for 11th and 12th graders, while also teaching Physical Education, Health and Safety at McKinley. Her most memorable teacher was Oklahoma State University professor Gina Noble, whose ability to reach both excelling and struggling students left a lasting impression and helped shape the kind of educator Dunham strives to be.

Every day looks a little different, but Dunham’s favorite moments come when she sees students apply the skills they have practiced in class out at their internships or places of employment. Watching them grow in confidence and professionalism reinforces her belief that she is helping shape future leaders. Her philosophy centers on meeting each student where they are, setting individual, attainable goals, and making sure every student knows their teacher genuinely cares about them.

Outside of school, Dunham’s world is full and active. She and her husband, Tyler, enjoy time with their children, Lukas and Lily, and their dogs Poppy, Remi, Ruby and Ridge. She loves cooking, working in the yard and trips to the dog park, as well as traveling to new places, something her career schedule helps accommodate. When she is not in the classroom or outdoors, she is often behind the camera, running a photography side business that lets her capture special moments for others.