Hi, my name is Alison Bird. After graduating from my undergraduate studies, I moved to England, where I lived for a few years. While there, I obtained my first master’s degree, taught dance at the collegiate level, taught English as a second language, and traveled to various places. Since returning to the States, I have enjoyed teaching high school English. The skills learned in English can translate into many aspects of our lives, and my goal is for students to leave my class understanding that reading, writing, and communication skills are necessary for everyday life. I am also a dance teacher at Get the Pointe Dance Studio. I am very passionate about teaching, the arts, and ELA.
I teach because I enjoy pursuing knowledge and sharing that knowledge with my students. The world has so much to offer, and I want my English class to build the necessary skills to succeed. Believe it or not, reading and analyzing literature helps to build these skills. The communication and writing skills we explore in English class are also vital to this learning experience. I want my students to leave my classroom feeling like they have the tools to accomplish their dreams while recognizing that they must be willing to do the work.
My name is Marianna Dunn and I teach English 2 at NBHS. This is my 4th year at New Bern High School and my 13th in Craven County Schools. I graduated as a NC Teaching Fellow from NC State University before moving back to New Bern and starting my teaching career. As a New Bern High Alum, I love being back in Bear Country - Once a Bear, Always a Bear. I have two sweet kids at home, one huge yellow lab, and a husband who teaches Personal Finance right down the hall.
I moved from New Jersey in 2018 and before becoming a Bear I worked in day care and middle school! I graduated from Rowan University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Subject-Matter Education with a concentration in creative writing. I love reading and want to share my passion for it with my students! When I’m not teaching, I’m heavily involved with RiverTowne Players and New Bern Civic Theater.
Welcome! I'm Dawn Grady, but you'll see Kimberly Stokes Grady on the schedule & official documents. I'm originally from NC, was raised in Ohio (Go Bucks!), returned to NC, and attended CCC, ECU, and UNCW.
I'm a big fan of growing readers and improving communication skills, and I appreciate learning from my students. I also enjoy introducing new instructional strategies and incorporating creative technology. Technology and reading are two of my favorite hobbies!
You may reach me via email at dawn.grady@cravenk12.org or NBHS at (252) 514-6400. I will respond within 24-48 hours, excluding weekends. If you do not hear from me within that time frame, please call the school to be sure I received your message.
I'm looking forward to meeting and working with all of you!
I am a mighty New Bern Bear. I lumber through the forest, a sleek black shadow against the sun-dappled leaves. Though solitary, I'm no stranger to adventure, sniffing out berries and insects, scaling trees with nimble paws, and even taking a dip in the cool streams. Winter finds me curled in a cozy den, dreaming of spring's bounty. While cautious around humans, I'm a vital part of this ecosystem, ensuring its delicate balance. Remember, respect my space, and we can co
I am a mighty New Bern Bear. I lumber through the forest, a sleek black shadow against the sun-dappled leaves. Though solitary, I'm no stranger to adventure, sniffing out berries and insects, scaling trees with nimble paws, and even taking a dip in the cool streams. Winter finds me curled in a cozy den, dreaming of spring's bounty. While cautious around humans, I'm a vital part of this ecosystem, ensuring its delicate balance. Remember, respect my space, and we can co
I am a mighty New Bern Bear. I lumber through the forest, a sleek black shadow against the sun-dappled leaves. Though solitary, I'm no stranger to adventure, sniffing out berries and insects, scaling trees with nimble paws, and even taking a dip in the cool streams. Winter finds me curled in a cozy den, dreaming of spring's bounty. While cautious around humans, I'm a vital part of this ecosystem, ensuring its delicate balance. Remember, respect my space, and we can co
Hello and welcome to English III, where we focus on American Literature! This is my first year at NBHS and I am thrilled to be a Bear! I attended Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C., where I majored in English and Religion. Afterwards, I attended East Carolina University to study Multicultural and Transnational Literature, which really means World Literature translated into English. I love reading and writing and hope that I am able to serve and support my students who wish to improve these skills. Here at NBHS, I am a staff advisor for FCA and NHS and help with Cross Country and Spring Track.
I have been married for almost 22 years and have two children, one of whom is a NBHS Alum; I love spending time with them, friends, cooking and running. My preferred method of communication is email. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Summer Reading for Honors & AP Courses
NBHS 2025-2026
All students at NBHS enrolled in an Honors or AP level English course are expected to complete a Summer Reading assignment. Assignment details and expectations for each course are listed below. Students are responsible for obtaining a copy of the required book. Your teachers have chosen titles that are readily available in a variety of formats. Completion of the book and any corresponding assignment, as outlined below, should be done prior to the start of your English class for the 2025-2026 school year.
