Ava Chuppe
Staff Writer
[email protected]

A student in the online Doctorate of Arts in English Pedagogy program, Amber Dumbuya, received the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year award from the Georgia Council of Teachers of English.

Dumbuya, who currently teaches 12th grade language arts at Kendrick High School in Columbus, Georgia, received the award through an extensive selection process. 

The application packet included a resume, two lesson plans with photos and artifacts, a biography, two letters of recommendation and two one-page responses to chosen questions. Upon submission, a panel blind peer-reviewed the applications to determine a recipient from nominees across the state.

GCTE Director of Awards Brenda Logan said Dumbuya was chosen in part because of her above-and-beyond lesson plans for students.

“Amber’s lesson plans were exemplary, with a differentiated unit plan she had created on ‘Hamlet’ for her students,” Logan said. “She is extremely creative.”

Dumbuya demonstrates involvement outside the classroom. She sponsors and coaches in Fitness for All Bodies, an after-school fitness program she founded for students, faculty and staff. The program aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and help students prepare for the physical aspect of military basic training, police academy and similar pursuits.

Logan said the recommendation section of Dumbuya’s application showed she has tenacity and patience.

“Amber’s university supervisor noted that Amber was thorough in her on-the-field classroom experiences and did more than just the requirements,” Logan said.

Dumbuya has also worked as an adjunct English professor at Vincennes University, Brandman University and Georgia Military College. As an active member of GCTE and the larger National Council of Teachers of English, she has presented at conferences for both organizations in the past.

“I like the connection between members of both councils and the networking and resources that are available for English teachers at all levels,” Dumbuya said.

Logan said Dumbuya was ultimately chosen for standing out from the rest of the candidates.

“I was proud to meet her,” Logan said. “I was especially elated to learn that she was working on her doctorate as well to help improve her content knowledge.”

Because she teaches seniors, Dumbuya has helped review students’ college applications and written recommendations.

“What I love the most about teaching is seeing how my students mature over the year, take on more responsibilities and start to make goals for their future,” Dumbuya said. “I love hearing from students after they graduate to hear how they are doing and what they are up to.”

Dumbuya said she plans to take her qualifying exam next year and graduate in Spring 2024. She said she has loved her experience in the program so far.

For more information about the Doctorate of Arts in English Pedagogy program, visit murraystate.edu/english.