Dawn Jenkins has seen a lot. A U.S. History teacher at Southern Middle, Dawn is originally from the north of England. After obtaining a master’s degree in her native country, she joined the diplomatic service of the United Kingdom. It was a role that took her around the world, including stops in Russia, Thailand and Africa, to name just a few destinations.
Going from place to place was appealing for the graduate of the University of Leeds.
*I enjoyed that work,” Dawn, who met her husband – a member of the U.S. Military – in Africa, said. “I loved the travel aspect.”
Marriage brought her to the U.S. in 2013.
Although her mother always said she’d make a good teacher, Dawn didn’t enter the field until four years ago. It isn’t something she regrets.
“Once I got into it, I fell in love with teaching,” she said. “I’m still loving it.”
She embraces the challenge working with students in eighth grade brings.
“It’s knowing how to reach each child in your classroom,” Dawn said, “You’ve got 30 different kids from 30 different backgrounds.”
Currently pursuing a doctorate from Liberty University, Dawn earned a second master’s from Fayetteville State. A primary objective is to be an inspirational force in a learner’s life.
“The best part of teaching is making a difference,” she said. “Sometimes, the only highlight of their day is being in a safe environment at school.”
According to Dawn, every session presents a puzzle.
“I just want them to have purpose,” she said. “I’m really passionate about my subject.”
As the school year is in its early stages, Dawn remains excited about instructing new groups of students.
“There’s always the anticipation of meeting the new kids,” she said. “You make a whole new family.*
Being around familiar faces at Southern Middle – where she’s in her third year – is also a plus.
“I have the best colleagues,” Dawn said. “Our eighth-grade team is amazing. It’s a great collaborative group. We’ve got each other’s backs. I can’t imagine leaving eighth grade.”
In what can be a chaotic geopolitical and social climate – Dawn, given what she sees on a daily basis – feels good about the future.
“I’m very optimistic about these students. School is about finding yourself in the world,” she said. “That’s part of the advantage of being a teacher.”
Caring comes into play as well.
“You can’t get into this profession without loving,” Dawn said, “You do it for the students.”
Away from the classroom, Dawn loves to read, but working on her doctorate makes escaping into a book difficult. Additionally, she likes going to movies by herself.
Spending time with her own family is something else she looks forward to. Over the summer, she took one of her children to England, where they saw “Hamilton” in London. Other activities have become yearly rituals.
“We always go to the mountains and the beach,” she said.
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Feature photo: Dawn Jenkins and her family. Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news and weekly e-newsletter, please click here.
