A “desire to make a difference in the lives of others” drives Board Member Kristen Dawn

December 2023

When she was 20 years old, Kristen Dawn thought she wanted to pursue a career in international relations or law. Instead, she ultimately chose to take her passion for German and use it to inspire others.

Kristen is now in her 26th year as a teacher of German. She began her career in the MSD of Wayne Township in 1998, teaching German and ESL (English as a Second Language) at Ben Davis Junior High. She transferred to Ben Davis High School in the year 2000, and is currently solely responsible for teaching all levels of German at Ben Davis. Her influence on students in Wayne Township is not limited to her classroom; Kristen is also vice president of the Wayne Township Education Foundation Board of Directors.

Kristen has said her passion for German is “eclipsed by only one thing – a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.” Below, you’ll learn more about the experiences and qualities Kristen brings to the classroom, and to WTEF.

What would you like to share about your personal or professional background?

I’m married to Jeff Dawn. We’ve been married for 24 years this December. We have one daughter, Carolyn. She is 18 and a senior in high school. She will attend college next year.

I’ve been a teacher in Wayne Township for 26 years. The first two years were at the former Ben Davis Junior High. I taught ENL (English as a New Language) and German. I then moved over to Ben Davis High School where I also taught ENL and German for another couple of years. I’ve been German only for the last 18 years or so.

What do you do as a WTEF board member?

I’m currently the Vice-President, but I have also been a regular board member/teacher representative and the secretary for WTEF. I have always been part of the grants committee.

What WTEF programs or initiatives “speak” to you the most?

I really enjoy our community outreach programs like Science Summer Safari, Science Claus, our theater program, and the Giant Health Fair. It’s also very enjoyable to honor teachers with grants and awards like the Seniors’ Choice Awards and students and their teachers at the Top 30 ceremony.

Why is it important for the community to become involved in helping students experience the joy of learning?

The students are the future of the community. Better schools mean better community and vice versa. If the students feel invested in and appreciated by the community at large, they are more likely to pay it forward someday.

What do you enjoy most about being a WTEF board member?

I truly enjoy working with other volunteers who want the best for the students and families and educators of Wayne Township. Likeminded, passionate people make my heart happy.

ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.