Celena Velazquez

Tell us why you became a teacher

I volunteered with an underprivileged elementary school. Working with the kids and seeing the excitement they had when I was able to help them understand problems gave me incredible joy. I grew up in a similar situation so I loved being the support to them that I wish I had growing up. I switched career paths and decided to become a teacher so I can continue to work with the communities that needed more support.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had the opportunity to star in a tv show for PBS kids. I taught lessons in both English and Spanish that were recorded and then aired on TV. It was a very memorable moment because I was able to teach valuable lessons to a much wider audience. It was great to hear how students and parents were able to participate in these lessons together at home.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to invest some of the money into my STEM classroom. I work in an underprivileged area that would greatly benefit from new equipment. I would also like to go back to school and fulfill my dream of getting an Educational Doctorate.