Arlene Foster

Tell us why you became a teacher

I did not initially go to school to teach. In my senior year of college, I did some substitute teaching and enjoyed it, but my degree was in business. Only when I moved back to my hometown did I decide to apply for a teaching position in Career Technical Education. I began teaching business and later got certified in Tech Ed. I loved STEM lessons and watching students learn robotics and engineering. I love being around and working with talented teachers who care about children.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My best experiences have involved taking students out of the classroom and attending competitions. In the past, my students have competed in Technology Student Association regionals and state and national competitions, and my most successful year involved taking nine students to DC for Nationals. This was a first for all of them. I teach at a Title I school, so opportunities to travel are limited. Some of our students will never leave our county.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of the money to pay for my master's. I am currently pursuing my School Administration degree. I would use the rest to help my students travel to nationals in Atlanta. We recently missed six weeks of school due to Hurricane Helene. We have not had the opportunity to raise funds due to our community's financial stresses. I would love to relieve some financial stress for parents who want their students to have this opportunity.