Christine Chaussee

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the inspiring educators who shaped my own life. I had teachers who made me feel seen, valued, and capable, and their passion for teaching ignited a spark in me. They helped me realize the power of encouragement, patience, and care. I wanted to provide that same support to others—especially to young children beginning their educational journeys. Teaching allows me to make a positive, lasting impact, just like those teachers did for me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was with a shy student who struggled with reading at first. I noticed his fascination with picture books, so I introduced him to simple stories with colorful illustrations. Slowly, his confidence grew, and one day he read a book aloud to the class, his face beaming with pride. Seeing that spark in him—his newfound love for reading—was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me of the power of nurturing a child's curiosity and love for books.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use $25,000 to enrich my students' learning experiences. I could fund new books, educational technology tools, and classroom supplies, ensuring every child has what they need to succeed. The money might also support extracurricular activities, field trips, or intervention programs to give students more opportunities to explore their interests. Ultimately, I would invest the funds into fostering a nurturing and engaging environment for students and some "self-care" for me.