Baylee Wimpee

Tell us why you became a teacher

It’s ironic but I wanted to make a difference. I had a tough time in high school but had a few teachers who truly made the difference in me continuing to push through and be all that I am as a mom, human and friend. I couldn’t not return the favor to the world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My favorite thing our school does is teacher appreciation letters. The leadership students head it up. My first year I was fumbling the ball, I felt like I spent more time questioning what I was doing than I spent feeling confident in my abilities. But that year, I got some of the realest letters ever. These kids gave me grace and told me I was who made the biggest difference for them. They told me they aspired to love big and give grace like me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some to pay off my student loans and some to get me started in a masters program for curriculum and use whatever I could to take my husband and my son to Disney to thank them for supporting me and cheering me on every single day, even when I slack on mom and wife stuff because I’m pouring into teacher stuff.