Andrew Becker

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher inspired by my scoutmaster, whose belief in my energetic, creative leadership set me on this path. Early experiences in scouting taught me the value of mentorship, community engagement, and standing up for what’s right—qualities I later carried into my union meetings where I championed positive change. Teaching became a natural extension of my commitment to guiding others and shaping future innovators.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Some of my most memorable moments include teaching a Stanford computer science course at a local high school—a role that even landed me a newspaper feature. From teaching math and computer science at top schools and innovative HBCU programs to running the chess club and spearheading projects like the Global Game Jam and Math Modeling Challenge, every experience has reinforced my belief in the power of creative, hands-on learning.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would host professional development events that unite exceptional educators from diverse backgrounds. By fostering a network of creative, forward-thinking teaching minds, I’d provide opportunities to share best practices, collaborate on innovative projects, and drive transformative change in education. This initiative would empower teachers to continue making a meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom.