Carrie Barrile

Tell us why you became a teacher

I had the most amazing teachers growing up who helped shape me into who I am today. I felt a strong pull to make a small footprint on the next generation and hopefully guide them, embrace them, encourage them, and challenge them to be grow into right and just citizens of our ever-changing world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I was teaching in a title 1 school early in my career, there was a day unlike any other (as most teaching days are haha). My 4th graders started pointing out how other students were getting different assignments or had “easier work” or got to use the computer instead of writing. I jumped into an improvised talk about how equal is not always fair. My students then suggested they write down things they and their peers are good at. It was empathy in its sincerest form.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off all my student loan debt that it took for me to become a teacher in Illinois :) and give back to my school as we desperately need improved facilities for successful learning :)