David Wheat

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher after working as a classroom aide. I helped a young man with learning challenges to not only pass his classes, but become eligible to graduate! (he was well below the GPA requirements for graduating at the time) Seeing him grow more confident in himself, and realize that he had what it took to make a better life for himself filled me with joy! I became addicted to chasing that feeling for the rest of my life, which is why I chose to pursue teaching!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The most memorable teaching experience for me has to be the days where I am teaching, and a former student comes to visit to share with me how thankful they are for the way I prepared them for their future education and career path choices. Recently, I had a former student excitedly share that they were admitted Michigan to pursue Law, and thanked me for "how much I've helped him throughout his academic journey". He was last in my class over 4 years ago!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I never usually spend money on myself. I love giving! I am always looking for ways to make my classroom a more enjoyable learning space. I would also love to get a few tech items for them to use for some big projects I have created in my Social Studies & Technology classes, such as microphones, green screens, tripods, new reading materials, or even pursuing professional development oppotunities!