Emmanuel Garcia

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to give voice to the voiceless. To create agents of social change- and be able to advocate for themselves and other members in their community. Teaching is a powerful tool that I have and was gifted to use it for the good of mankind. To be able to lead, teach, inspire and motivate my community to be something greater and bigger than I am is the best feeling ever. My students and their families inspire me to do more for my community and the fruit is seeing in their success.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I first began to teach I worked in a very low income and marginalized community. I worked where students did not have food to eat, clothing to wear and their parents worked two to three jobs a day in order to provide a home and meal for their students. I was teaching 8th grade at that time and being able to fundraiser and create a campaign to give my student the opportunity to visit colleges across CA was life changing.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win 25k I will invest in my students and family. I will purchase items that I’ve been wanting for my classroom in order to push for rigor and intervention. And if any money is left I will use it to enjoy and relax in the Hawaiian trip.