Catherine Bravo

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I had a great many inspiring fun teachers. I enjoy being creative, engaging and fun with all subject matter I teach. Being a teacher reminds me of how important it is to care about my students learning and well being. I show them how much fun learning can be while providing them a safe space to develop into all the possible futures waiting for them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It was my first week of teaching and September 11 2001 occurred. I had a sixth grade class. Back then there was very little internet access as today. My sixth grade students had so many questions. They were old enough to understand something had happened but not exactly why just yet. We had a class discussion the rest of that week and beyond. I gave them opportunities to express their feelings and questions through writing and research. It was a profound experience for all of us to reflect.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First I would invest in more necessities for my classroom to support my students academic, creative and religious interests. Next I would invest in some school wide programming that all students could benefit from such as field trips or guest speakers. Last I would save some of it for an educational and personal trip.