My name is Jennifer Jackson Dunaway.  For  the most part of my professional life, from 1976-2013, I was Jennifer Jackson Christman.  My former students still know me as Mrs. Christman and that's okay.  I'm now retired from 35 years of being an educator.  I miss my colleagues, I miss working with students, but  most of all; I just miss teaching others.  My identity was intertwined with teaching so retirement has been a transitional time for me to get to know the real me, again. 

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I've had to let go of so many aspects who I used to be to discover  who I am, now.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about many things.  The education of all children is sacred to my soul.  From children with disabilities to highly talented and gifted children, I believe public education is the right of every child on this planet, regardless of sex, income, or geographic location.  That's something that will always be part of who I am.

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I am the mother of three wonderful young men who are all making a difference on this planet.  Rasing three sons as a single mom on a teacher's income was challenging.  However, it was those very struggles that forced me to teach them that making nature your friend always guaranteed that they would never be alone.  My boys and I love the outdoors.  Whether it's the river, the mountains, or the ocean, we felt as if we were more ourselves outside than anywhere else.  Each of my sons is working in a profession in which their passsion for nature has made them focus on sustainability and stewardship in their own unique ways.  I am so very proud of them.  I am confident that this love of our planet will be passed on to their children, my grandchildren. 

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