Aurora Arellano

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was in transportation for 10 years before I became a teacher and the last position that I held was as a secretary for the HR department. I had finished my bachelor's in English and was conflicted about what to do with my degree. I was constantly frustrated about being told by my boss to stop spending time on the phone helping our employees navigate benefits. A friend suggested that I teach, so that I can share my love of literature and help others all I want.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During my second year of teaching a special service reading class a student called me out on my teaching style of talking to my students with an air of superiority, which is the banking style of teaching. I took it personally, but after a couple of days I realized he was right. I apologized to him and learned to says two important things to my students, "I'm sorry" and "I don't know". I still remember his name and the lesson he taught me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to pay for my 2nd masters degree in English, which will help make me a better teacher at a time of teacher shortages. I hope to continue to mentor student teachers in my classroom and add my voice to the call to improve public education. Completing my 2nd masters will help clear the way to my dream.