The Dunham School is pleased to announce that Lower School teacher Lori Latuso is the 2024 recipient of the Liz Peters Master Teacher Award, presented during the Commencement Ceremony held May 18, 2024 at Healing Place Church.
This prestigious award is named for the late Mrs. Liz Peters, a master teacher herself, and the school’s first employee. This award recognizes outstanding teaching at The Dunham School, with the intent to inspire excellence in the classroom and ensure the employment and retention of Master Teachers, in order to form a nucleus of strong teaching faculty for the school’s future.
The award was presented to Latuso by Head of School Steve Eagleton; Dean of Faculty Deedra LaPlace, Bill Peters, former husband of the late Liz Peters; his daughter, Patti Peters Dowling ‘92 and granddaughter Ellie Dowling ‘26.
“Humbled, honored, and thankful are just a few words to describe my feelings in being chosen as this year’s Master Teacher for The Dunham School,” Latuso said. “Each new school year, I ask myself how I can best serve my students, my families, and my school. Whether it’s through new and innovative ways to teach, or the tried and true foundational methods, I always aim to keep learning exciting and fun. There is nothing like that moment when you see a student ‘get it’!”
“However, even more than those classroom practices, my thoughts go to our true Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. Each and every day, it is so important to me to bring the love of Christ into what we teach and for students to see the beauty in all that He has created for us to learn about,” Latuso continued. “I am excited to continue to walk in this calling of being a teacher and my hope is that as my students continue to grow, they will always look back on their time with me and see how much their heart and mind grew academically and in Christ.”
During her 14 year tenure, Latuso has served the school faithfully as a Lower School lead teacher. She has served in a variety of roles as a worship leader for Lower School Chapel as well as on the Advance Team for biblical worldview integration. Her enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond in any situation is exemplary, a testament to her walk with Christ as a servant leader. Her authenticity and love for the Lord is on display every day as she reflects Jesus in carrying out the mission of The Dunham School.
“Through the years, Lori has spent countless hours mentoring new teachers and leading her second grade team with strength and grace,” said LaPlace. “She continually demonstrates creativity and innovation in her lessons, and has been a true role model for her fellow faculty as a lifelong learner and first adopter when it comes to technology integration and new pedagogical approaches.”
Congratulations to Lori Latuso for this well-deserved recognition.
