Dana Feldman

Tell us why you became a teacher

I always wanted to be a teacher! As a kid I started off as a babysitter, a camp counselor, a camp director, etc. I’ve always seen myself as an elementary teacher. What I didn’t realize was that I would fall in love with middle school! I love the social aspect of teaching (planning, working as a team, talking to parents and kids, etc.) and being a part of the collaboration to help the kids succeed!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment of teacher is from the Winter of 2014. It was my first time participating in my schools outdoor education program. We take our sixth graders away for 3 days and 2 nights to teach them through hands on learning how they impact the Chesapeake Bay. It was amazing to spend time with my students in a totally different atmosphere sharing meals, helping with bed time, etc. I will never forget the hikes, playing “predator prey” (a tag game) and having fun!

What would you do with the $25,000?

A large part of that would go towards my school. We have a basketball theme in the 6th grade (we are known as The Sixers). I would love to engage in that theme more. We celebrate students every other week during lunch by allowing them to take a shot in a basketball hoop. It definitely needs an upgrade though! I’d also like to have some motivational speakers come related to basketball to tie our whole theme together.