Anne Smart

Tell us why you became a teacher

My youngest sister was born with a cleft palate. She spent a lot of time in the hospital as an infant and needed a great deal of speech therapy to learn to form sounds while lacking portions of the soft palate. Though I was little, I would do her speech therapy exercises with her and play school. I loved working with her, coaching younger kids in cheerleading, being a camp counselor; doing anything that involved helping kids. My love of kids started to define my career path.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Every year you hear stories of the kids you'll be inheriting the next year. Frankly, some of them can be downright scary! I had one particularly challenging student who had many difficult years in school. I formed a bond with her, I provided the structure, love and support she needed to be successful. I championed for her and taught her how to self-advocate. Empowering her made the difference in her trajectory.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a teacher, we don't make a lot of money. I do it for the joy it brings. The money would be spent bringing joy to my own family and taking some much needed time together on a vacation. My husband, an Army Vet and over the road trucker, could enjoy some extra family time with us.