Roland Rogers Teacher of the Year Helps Keep Spelling Bee Alive

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration on Friday, Nov. 18, a video presentation was planned to commemorate the history of the

To get that video started, teacher Brian Dunn had to use a broom stick to push the play button on the projector, which hung from the ceiling.

"After seeing that, I can't really say our technology is second to none," Galloway Township Board of Education President Ernest Huggard joked in his remarks later that morning.

Using a broomstick is not the norm, Dunn assured Galloway Patch in an interview later that morning.

"We were looking for the remote and then we were looking for the universal remote," said Dunn, who was named the Teacher of the Year for both the Roland Rogers School and the Galloway Township School District last year.

They couldn't find it, so out came the broomsticks.

It's a far cry from the iPads he teaches his fifth-grade students to use. 

"I work a lot with the technology team. I believe in the use of technology in the classrooms," Dunn said.

"He's into technology," Roland Rogers Principal Robin Moore said. "He did a survey in every classroom last year where he had a screen and students could vote and they could get the results instantly."

"Mr. Dunn demonstrates excellence as a classroom teacher," Galloway Township Superintendent of Schools Annette Giaquinto said. "Brian has strong content knowledge, expertly integrates instructional technology, and enjoys a positive rapport with students, staff and parents. He consistently works well beyond the contractual day and actively contributes to the entire school community."

He also made sure the countywide spelling bee survived after the bee's previous sponsor withdrew its sponsorship of the event. Dunn, whose wife Nicole was part of the first class to ever come through Roland Rogers, stepped in alongside TownSquare Media to put together a county spelling bee at the

"All the schools participate and it's something the area's always had," Dunn said. "All the kids participate, and they have an equal chance. It's something cool and there's value in it. It's a way to celebrate education in general."

It looks as though the spelling see will continue for the foreseeable future, and it's thanks to a teacher who never intended to be a teacher in the first place.

"I was a political science major at Stockton," said Dunn, who worked in the child care program when he was a student and after he graduated.

Dunn didn't know what he would do once he graduated from college, but in 2003, when a position as an assistant teacher at Roland Rogers became available, he jumped on the opportunity. After two and a half years in that position, a job as a fifth-grade teacher opened, and Dunn has felt right at home ever since.

"I enjoy working with the kids the most," Dunn said. "People always encourage me to become an administrator, but I can't imagine myself not being in contact with the kids."

Dunn is married with a 3-year-old, who he says will be coming to Roland Rogers in just a few years.