Amelia Abell

Growing up, I was inspired by my mother, a special education teacher and counselor. Her dedication influenced me to pursue teaching as my true calling. Teaching allows me to combine my love for helping others with creating an inclusive environment where students grow, communicate, and succeed. I learn so much from my students, which makes me a better educator and person. Watching them overcome obstacles and reach milestones drives me to be the best teacher I can be.

One of my most memorable teaching moments was after my class finished reading Charlotte's Web. To bring the book to life, I transformed the classroom into a county fair, complete with games, food, and decorations. The highlight was having a real pig visit, which made the experience unforgettable for my students. Seeing their excitement and engagement as they interacted with the story in such a tangible way was truly a special moment for me and my class.

With $25,000, I would purchase items for my classroom to better support my students’ needs. Additionally, I would use part of the funds to travel and learn from educators around the world, gaining new insights and strategies to enhance my teaching and grow personally. This combination of investing in my classroom and broadening my perspective would allow me to make a more significant impact on my students.