Alexa Mutch

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love to learn! Both my parents were educators, and my father was even my principal. My love for literature and history made me want to share that passion with teenagers, helping them discover their own interests. I wanted to show students that reading and writing aren’t just school tasks but gateways to new worlds. In a subject many teens dislike, I hoped to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the power of stories.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Four years after graduating, a former student reached out to thank me for introducing him to drama. He said if it weren’t for my class, he’d never have found his passion for theatre. It all started with a clip of the broadway hit “Hamilton” and a lesson on its history. He was a reserved kid who struggled to fit in, but found his calling on stage through acting! Knowing I helped spark that love for storytelling reminded me why I teach- to open doors to passions students never knew they had.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to help send students on the school trip to Europe. Traveling is a passion of mine—I love experiencing history firsthand, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. I hope that kids from my small hometown get the chance to do the same, but I know many can’t afford it. Seeing history instead of just reading about it in a textbook is one of the best forms of education, and I want my students to experience the world beyond the classroom.