Alan

Tell us why you became a teacher

My uncle taught for 27 years. When he passed away, students of his from over his Whole career of teaching found out about his passing and sent my family and I hand written letters about the positive impact and influence he had on their lives. Overwhelmed and in awe, that led to an epiphany for me. I immediately changed my major in college from communications to teaching.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had my 8th grade students write an expository essay on 5 struggles they currently have, how they deal with handling those struggles, and how would they grade/rate themselves dealing w those struggles. I had an incredible amount of students wtite creatuve and vulnerable essays for it. One girl, was in a suicidal state of mind. I had to bring the letter to the school's mental wellness professional and by the end of the year, that girl told me I helped saved her life.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Pay off some student loans. Take my dad to Italy.