Elizabeth Mills

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my mom, who taught for 32 years, inspired me with her dedication and passion. Every day, I have the opportunity to inspire, empower, and shape young minds with creativity and care. Teaching allows me to make a lasting impact, just as she did, and to foster a lifelong love of learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was seeing a struggling reader finally gain confidence. For weeks, they hesitated to read aloud, but after consistent encouragement and support, they proudly read an entire page to the class. The joy on their face and the pride in their voice reminded me why I love teaching. Every small victory helps shape a child's belief in themselves and their potential. Moments like that make all the challenges worthwhile.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25,000, I would use it to pay off bills and purchase much-needed storage for my classroom. Having better organization would create a more efficient and engaging learning environment for my students, allowing me to focus more on teaching and less on managing clutter.