Amber Winter

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference. Not the difference that matters most to data collection or to the state boards, but the difference of a student gaining confidence to speak up. When a student realizes their full potential and can advocate for themselves. When a student identifies their passion in life and sets out to accomplish it. That is why I became a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was watching all of my students come together as a small community (or a family) and cheer for their classmate this year who won our entire school’s spelling bee. They cheered so loud when he got one correct, and held their breath (to the point that a pin could drop) when he was spelling. When he got back to class, they all hugged him and congratulated him. Watching a group of kids come together and create bonds of friendship that will last is amazing.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would like to do two things. I would like to set up computer labs in the elementary school to help students become digitally literate and fluent. I would also like to bring back the Accelerated Reader program to our elementary school because it motivates kids to read and I loved it as a student myself.