Alex riley

Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching is my passion, I’ve always had a spirit to root for the underdogs. I teach on a correctional facility and each day is a new opportunity for my students and myself. These students who are female are overlooked being that many are felons. These students ladies have been challenged most of their lives and it’s my job to instill in them hope. I have a banner in my class that reads “change your thinking, change your world”. My first goal is to gain their trust and teach them their worth.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Graduating my first class of students,, many of them had never had a graduation or had completed anything. I was able to secure graduation robes and hats, take pictures and even have some of their families attend. Their smiles said it all.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Pay off our home and continue doing what I was called to do teach and make a difference in the lives of these students. I often receive letters cards telling me me how well they’re doing and how they appreciate the faith I had in them. Their success is my greatest achievement and I would not change anything. If I can help somebody then my living is not in vain. They are our unsung heroes. To God the Glory, and they appreciate the lessons and experiences that we share daily.