Carson Dunn, University High School of Science and Engineering, Hartford Public Schools

Carson teaches algebra and statistics at University High School of Science and Engineering in Hartford. Carson began his teaching journey with Teach for America (2018–2020) at his current high school, where he laid the foundation for his commitment to educational equity and student success. By 2021, he expanded his impact beyond the classroom, serving as head girls’ varsity volleyball coach at the University High School of Science and Engineering. In 2024, Carson stepped into leadership as Mathematics Department Chair, while also mentoring graduate students through the UConn Neag Internship Program, supervising their work 10–20 hours per week.  

Carson has taken a lead role in supporting other teachers in Hartford in learning about and implementing a Building Thinking Classrooms lesson model in their classrooms. Early efforts included leading a Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) book study with his colleagues and presenting district-wide professional development sessions. Carson focused on designing and facilitating sessions for thirteen Algebra 1 instructors to support their professional application of BTC practices. He documented this work and showcased it at the Alliance District Symposium, presenting his Individual Learning Project on facilitating a teacher-led cohort of Algebra 1 educators as a model of how districts can support year-long impactful professional learning as teachers work to change their practice. Across his roles as teacher, mentor, coach, and leader, Carson has consistently worked to foster equitable, collaborative, and student-centered learning environments. 

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