Alyssa Flores

Tell us why you became a teacher

I chose to become a teacher because of an inspiring moment in 5th grade. My teacher noticed my strength in math and encouraged me to help my classmates. Seeing their understanding grow and knowing I made a difference brought me joy. That experience showed me the power of helping others learn, and it sparked my passion for teaching math and supporting students in their own learning journeys.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A memorable teaching experience is when students tell me they aren’t good at math, but I turn it into something fun and easier to understand. One student once told me she scored higher in math than English on a college placement test—even though she considered herself stronger in English! She said it was because of the way I helped her learn. Moments like that remind me how important it is to make math approachable and show students they’re capable of more than they realize!

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would give back to my students by donating to my school, ensuring our math classrooms have essential supplies like class sets of calculators to support students during lessons and homework. I’d also use this opportunity to take a big step toward my personal dream—purchasing my first home. This funding would make a tremendous impact, helping me create stability for myself while continuing to support and inspire my students every day.