Curtis Bixenstine

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my grandmother had been telling me I should since I was in high school. Before that, I thought my destiny was to make a million dollars. I kept taking jobs that I had no passion for in a vain attempt to make a lot of money. As soon as a I started teaching, I knew I had found my calling. All four of my grandparents were college professors, I feel that I am carrying on their respective legacies.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It was my first year teaching. I had a student who had a lot of behavior and academic problems. He was very combative with me in the beginning, and I could tell I was going to have to really earn his trust. One day, in December, I informed the class that one of their teachers wouldn't be there the next day. He looked up at me and said "Mr. bix, you're gonna be here right?" I said yes and he smiled and said "okay good". I knew then that I meant something to him.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would get out of debt, buy a new car, and take my students on an expensive field trip. Then I would start a savings account so I can stop living paycheck to paycheck.