Angelee Rivera

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was a social worker before I became a teacher. I often felt defeated because there were never enough resources for families in need.m In addition, my clients which were foster children were constantly being jumped around from one foster home to another. I felt like I needed to do more in order to empower the children in these types of situations. Then, I remembered a quote I heard before about education its the one thing no one can take from you!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was with a student that was very challenging behavior. She disrupted class daily by making noises while I spoke, she poured soda on things, cursed and refused to sit down and learn. Each day I tried to make a connection with her to no avail. One day I decided to bring her up for lunch detention. I looked her in the eyes and said "help me help you" she said" you can't help me! My mom was shot in the head right in front of me" that day changed us both forever.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won 25,000 I would use the money to pay off some bills and take my family to Disney! My children always talk about going to Disney one day and sometimes I am sad because we just can not afford such an expensive trip as we are a family of 6. I would also purchase multicultural books in various genres for my school.