Chyanne Smith

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because when I was growing up, home wasn't always the happiest place but school was my safe haven. I wanted to be the kind of teacher who would create a space for my students where they feel welcomed, safe, and loved as well as share my love of reading and writing to help prepare them for their futures.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I teach high school English and had a class of seniors who hated school but still showed up every day. Two students stood out—one slept a lot, and the other had anger issues. I encouraged them both without judgment, and they graduated. Afterward, I ran into one at his job, and he was so excited to tell me about his life. I saw the other at a restaurant. She told me she’s doing great and has a good job now. It reminded me why I love teaching and showed me that all of my hard work had an impact.

What would you do with the $25,000?

1. I'm up to my eyeballs in student loan debt. With our current political climate, the forgiveness program I'm in may not exist soon, so I'd use some to help pay my loans down. 2. I'd put a little work into my house, i need to redo my floors but can't afford it. 3. I'd get more resources for my class - I love having fidget toys available for my students, I always have chargers for phones/computers so I could buy more available, and I'd donate to my school's scholarship and more.