Dr. Dana Vick Warren has been selected by her peers as the Teacher of the Year for Berrien High School for 2009-2010.  This is her 16th year in teaching, 15 of which have been at Berrien High.  Dr. Warren's first year was spent at McIntosh County Academy in Darien.

During the current academic year she is teaching American Literature and British Literature.  These have been her normal course load for the last five years.  Other courses she has taught in the past include 9th grade literature, Applied Communications, drama, and speech.

Dr. Warren's academic preparation includes recently earning an Education Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix earlier this year.  She holds a Masters in Education from Cambridge College (2004) and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Valdosta State University (1994).

She lives in Nashville with her husband, and as Dr. Warren puts it, her very spoiled boxer, Boris.

BHS: What sparked your interest in becoming a teacher?

Dr. Warren: As a child I always loved school.  My mother and grandmother are teachers, so I was surrounded by books and by educators.  I had amazing teachers while I was growing up in Berrien and Ben Hill counties.  My junior and my senior English teachers really sparked my interest in literature and composition.  I actually liked reading novels and writing essays.

BHS: What is the most enjoyable part of being a teacher at BHS?

Dr. Warren: Being a teacher at BHS is one of the best parts of my life.  I work with an amazing faculty that is like a second family to me.  I have made supportive, life-long connections with my co-workers.  Additionally, I have great students who will usually work hard for me.  I want them to be successful, and I strive to make school relevant to them.