Christine Oconnell

Tell us why you became a teacher

I shuffled through a few career and was working in my uncle's restaurant, when a friend of mine suggested I become a substitute teacher. From the first moment that I walked into a classroom I knew it was where I belonged. I loved the planning and connecting with each student during lessons. I went home happy that I was able to teach a young person something new each day! Special education also became my niche because my oldest daughter has autism and I was able to teach her as well.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I think that my most memorable teaching experience was taking our entire school to the Metropolitan Museum of Art last summer. Many of our students had never experienced a museum before and being able to give them that experience was reward enough, but to see their faces as we walked through the different galleries was inspiring. They had some great questions and even pointed out some details that I never noticed before on some of the works of art. It was a great trip that I will do again!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won, a lot of the money would go towards enrichment for my three children. Special needs camps and therapies for my oldest daughter would be a high priority. Gymnastics & soccer programs for my two younger children would be a must. If anything is left...college savings!! My three children are my world and I would love to give them every opportunity to help shape their future as I can!