Casey King

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was in elementary and middle school, I often felt unwanted in the classroom. I frequently found myself in trouble and felt like a burden. However, when I got to high school, I had an amazing teacher who changed my perspective and empowered me to become a learner. She helped me to understand that my voice mattered and that I belonged in the classroom. I teach because I know the transformational power that one teacher can have on a child's life, and I want to share that power with others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This experience comes from a student I worked with during my first year teaching. This young man struggled with the same problems that I had in school. Over the course of the year, we worked together to ensure his success. I pushed him to achieve the grades and behavior I knew he was capable of. He still emails me to give me updates on his grades and to let me know that he is staying out of trouble. This experience serves to remind me why I became a teacher in the first place: to empower others.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it for a down payment on a home. I think it is extremely important to live in the community that you teach in. Students should not feel like their communities aren’t worth living in. Owning a home would go a long way toward helping me solidify my role in the community. Owning a home would also help alleviate the financial stress of paying exorbitant rent prices. Being a teacher is the career for me. I love it, and owning my own home would help me be an even better teacher.