Pages turn in unison, with all eyes intently on their ecstatic teacher–none other than Bethany Yuninger. She has been a teacher here at Dallastown for 16 years, but there’s more than meets the eye with her story.
From a young age, Yuninger was very interested in theater and performing arts.
“My mom always played records of old, golden-age of Broadway musicals when I was little. We’d sing and dance around the house, and then when I got to school and they had plays, I just had to be in them,” Yuninger said.
She attended Blairsville Senior High School, graduated in 1996 and later enrolled in Dickinson College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and teaching certificate for grades 7-12. Following her graduation from Dickinson, Yuninger attended Millersville University and Wilkes University to obtain her masters degrees in English and Education.
After her college career, she began her teaching career at Garden Spot High School and stayed there until 2007. Then she made a brief stop at Dallastown’s rival, Central York High School, for only a year.
Dallastown has become her permanent home since 2008.
“Teaching was always my career goal because I always had a passion for helping people and I loved literature, so since theater starts with literature, teaching theater was just part of that dream,” Yuninger said.
Yuninger teaches numerous subjects such as Honors English II, African American Literature, Theater Study, and Honors Shakespeare, among many others.
On top of teaching classes, she is involved in numerous clubs, ranging from the Dallastown Performing Arts Club (DPAC), International Thespian Society and Girls Learn International.
A favorite part of teaching for Yuninger is the interactions and relationships she has with students.
“She’s helped me build a work ethic after I struggled to maintain motivation after COVID. Not to mention she helped DPAC build a community where we’re able to see each other often and support each other through academic and personal endeavors,” senior and DPAC secretary Ollie Williams said.
Additionally, Yuninger is a producer for the upcoming talent show, held on May 29, which will showcase many different talents. Many gifted vocalists and dancers perform at this event, which Yuninger greatly encourages.
“We’ve had so many crazy-talented vocalists and dancers over the years. The quirky acts stick in my memory, though,” Yuninger said.
While teaching is one of her main passions, she has various hobbies and interests beyond the school grounds.
For instance, she greatly enjoys reading, singing, gardening, walking in the woods and playing games with her husband and her two children.
Yuninger has become a staple of the good in Dallastown and has positively impacted many former and current students. After all, there is more than meets the eye with Yuninger.
