Alexa Dunn
Alexa Dunn is the Director of Teaching & Learning at Oak Grove School District 68 in Green Oaks, Illinois, where she leads curriculum development, instructional standards, and assessment initiatives across all grade levels. With a strong focus on leveraging educational technology, including artificial intelligence, she works to provide innovative, student-centered learning experiences that elevate both teaching and learning outcomes. Under her leadership, Oak Grove School has seen significant gains in student achievement, including an increase in ELA proficiency on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness from 61.4% in 2021 to 76% in 2024, contributing to the district’s recognition with the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence.
Beginning her career as an 8th-grade English teacher, Alexa spent 12 years in the classroom fostering rigorous learning environments and providing individualized support to students. Recognizing the need to scale effective educational practices, she transitioned into administrative and curriculum leadership roles, including Program Specialist and Coordinator of Teaching & Innovative Learning. In these positions, she implemented district-wide STEM programs, refined gifted education pathways, and developed systems to support social-emotional learning, all while prioritizing equity and access for underrepresented student populations.
Alexa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Columbia College of Missouri, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. A forward-thinking educator and advocate for preparing students for the future, she is a member of AASA and ISTE and has guided her district in earning multiple honors, including the National Blue Ribbon Award and the K–12 AI Student Agency Award. Her professional philosophy emphasizes building strong relationships, responding to evolving learner needs, and equipping students with the critical skills and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
• National Louis University - Ed.S.
• K–12 AI Student Agency Award
• National Blue Ribbon Award
• AASA
• ISTE
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my years as a classroom teacher, which I would never trade. Spending 12 years in the classroom shaped me into the leader I am today. I believe that having a deep, long-term experience as a teacher—not just a few years—provides a true understanding of how things work and the importance of building meaningful relationships. Everything I do stems from those relationships; you simply cannot achieve meaningful outcomes without genuinely caring about the people you work with.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to take a step back and recognize that meaningful work is rarely easy. There will always be obstacles, but if the work aligns with your passion and allows you to make a real difference, it’s worth pursuing. True fulfillment comes from persisting through challenges, and when you feel called to something, you shouldn’t give up simply because it’s difficult or because another path seems easier.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this field is simple: if anyone can do it, it’s you. Teaching is challenging, but there are children who need passionate educators in their lives. If you feel even a spark of interest in this career path, pursue it wholeheartedly.
Many of the technical aspects—standards, curriculum requirements, and using technology—can be learned along the way. What cannot be taught is passion and the belief that education shapes a child’s future. For those who feel called to this work, know that it is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling professions, offering the chance to make a lasting impact every day.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education right now is retaining high-quality teachers. The field has evolved significantly, especially following the disruptions caused by COVID-19, and the needs of students are changing rapidly. Unfortunately, education systems don’t always adapt as quickly as the world requires. As a result, many talented educators leave the profession too soon—often because they lack the necessary support, feel uncertain about their effectiveness, or struggle to see the impact they’re making.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, and empathy. In education, these values are essential—not only in building trust with students and colleagues, but also in creating an environment where learning and growth can truly thrive.
Locations
Oak Grove School District
Green Oaks, IL 60048