Science teacher Deidra Dumm started her journey at the University of Pittsburgh and Saint Francis University. After teaching for 12 years, her colleagues nominated her for the Commitment, Achievement, Responsibility and Excellence award (CARE award) which she won. 

“I have always loved science and math, specifically chemistry and physics,” D. Dumm said. “While in college, I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to make a decent living while having the flexibility to have a family.” 

She now teaches AP chemistry. 

Senior Grace Long took AP chemistry as a junior.

“My first impression of her [D. Dumm] was that she was really smart, well qualified and that she deserved all of the good things students were saying about her,” Long said. “She always took the time to explain things to me. I would really struggle with the math, and she was really helpful.” 

Dumm studied Calculus I and II, Physics I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, instrumental analysis, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry in college. She has a BS in chemistry – secondary education, a MS in psychology and a MS in curriculum and instruction. 

Senior Camille Krug also took AP chemistry as a junior.

“She’s very, very nice and accommodating,” Krug said. “I was never stressed that I was behind. She was able to space out all of the units in AP chemistry very well, so there were very few times in the year that I was slammed.” 

Krug added the class a week after school had already started. She remembers doing a snowball lab in the winter and an Easter egg hunt in the spring. These activities tied into what she was learning at the time. 

“She’s one of the best teachers that I’ve ever had especially because AP chemistry is really hard,” Krug said. 

Dumm reflected on what winning the award means to her. 

“It was very unexpected; however, it did make me feel like I must be doing something right,” D. Dumm said. “I am very grateful to my colleagues, especially Mike Adams, for believing that I am deserving of this award.” 

Math teacher and track coach Mike Adams nominated her for the award. Teachers do not know they have been nominated. To nominate a teacher, another staff member has to complete a form or essay to describe why they believe their colleague deserves the award. 

“It was really a no-brainer to nominate her,” Adams said. “Her dedication and commitment to students is unparalleled. She goes above and beyond to help anybody and that is what the award is all about. She is a top-notch teacher, and she is involved in helping students in so many extra-curricular activities along with all the time she puts into making our high school better. She truly cares about our students and this school. I was happy for her. I felt she deserved it, and I was glad to see her win. It’s nice to see when good people are rewarded for their dedication and commitment to students.” 

 An award ceremony took place at the opening in-service of the school year. Superintendent Brad Hatch presented the award with AAEA (Altoona Area Education Association) President Jason Geis. 

Dumm’s husband, Matthew Dumm, also works at the school. He oversees the work experience and school to career programs. He knew Adams was nominating his wife in May of last school year. 

“Since I’ve known her, she has gone above and beyond for everything that has to do with Altoona School District, not just the classes she teaches, but the time she spends at home,” M. Dumm said. “It’s absolutely remarkable. She deserved everything she had coming. She is the perfect example of what it means to work in a school. The day of the in-service she wasn’t going to do her hair. She said, ‘Hey, we’re kind of in a hurry this morning. I’m just going to pull my hair up.’ I said, ‘No you might want to take the extra five minutes and do what you need to do.’ She goes, ‘Why?’ I remember saying, ‘I don’t know. I just think you should.’ She had no idea I was sitting on it [the award] for four months knowing how unbelievably deserving she was.” 

The Dumm’s have been married for eight and a half years and met while working at the school district. 

Dumm also contributes to prom, National Honors Society, SOAR, graduation and is one of the main helping hands with the senior class. 

“I hope students remember my class as a fun, engaging experience,” D. Dumm said. “I really try to make sure my students know I care by helping both in and out of the classroom. I just want them to have the best experience here at AAHS, so they have the best experience in adulthood. I also genuinely enjoy teaching. I love the moment when you get to see the content ‘click’ for a student. It makes it all worthwhile when they can take your content and connect it to other areas.”