Christine Thomas

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I want every student to feel important. Growing up, I often felt invisible in elementary school. The book The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig resonates with me, as every class has that child who feels unnoticed. I wanted to be the teacher who truly sees every child—not just for grades, but for who they are. It wasn’t until my freshman year that I was seen. I don’t want any child to wait that long to feel valued, and that starts in elementary school.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was in 3rd grade with a student who struggled with low self-belief. One day, he said he wanted to be a "checkout clerk" at a grocery store. I encouraged him to think bigger and told him he was bright and capable. During a project on influential people, he chose Bill Gates to research and later said he wanted to be a computer engineer. That moment reminded me how teachers' encouragement can change a student's mindset and path for life.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I would donate some to Operation Backpack to ensure students have the essential supplies they need to start the school year. I’d also use part of it to pay off student loans from earning my teaching degree. Additionally, I would invest in furthering my education by pursuing my master’s in education to continue growing as a teacher.