Quarter-Finalist

Alissa Petrella

My students are the reason I love teaching. They teach me how to be a more positive, caring, and empathetic person.

Currently 2

in the Quarter-Finals
LIMITED-TIME: 2X VOTES

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 17th of April at 7PM PDT

One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!

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Tell us why you became a teacher

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved art and I loved helping people. I knew from a very young age that I was destined to combine my two loves and become an art teacher. Now, I get to make art and help people every day!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when one of my senior high school students found out that his mother was diagnosed with cancer while he was at school. He ran out of his gym class in tears to come find me. Out of the 180 staff members, this child chose me to be his safe space. This was my first year as an educator, and this moment made me realize how much our students need their teachers.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win $25,000 I would first use some of it during my trip to Hawaii :) I would also like to use $5,000 to make a scholarship at my school. It would be for a 12th grade student entering a trade school, in memory of my deceased brother. The remaining balance would be applied towards my student loan debt!

Planetary Society Planetary Society

Help Alissa Petrella become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.

Limited-time: 2X donation votes ends on Wed 4/16 at 9PM PDT


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