Chris Birk

Tell us why you became a teacher

My mom was a teacher, and I am the oldest of five in my family. As a child, I would play "school" often with my siblings and taught my younger brother how to read before he got to school. I always loved being able to share what I was excited and passionate about with others. As I grew up, I naturally moved into the role of tutor and mentor to my peers and younger classmates. Education seemed the obvious path for me when I was in high school and volunteering in elementary schools before colleg

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Having students that have stayed in my life over many years has reminded me of the impact I left on them. I am still connected to a number of students in different ways and for different reasons, but two that stand out are students who both lost their fathers while I was their teacher. They were years apart, but my role as teacher took on a different meaning as I had to help guide them and protect them through this devastating time.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to travel and explore the world further. As teachers, we are always so limited to taking our vacations during school breaks, and I haven't been able to travel as much as I'd like due to the cost during these "peak vacation times." I have always loved learning so exploring other cultures and history is a huge interest of mine. There are so many places I still want to see and learn about and share with my students when I come back.