Eric Eastman

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was 17 years old I came home from basketball practice whining about how I wanted to quit. My dad asked me a simple question. "Did you make someone better today?" I did not know the answer. He followed it up with "If you don't know the answer to that question you already quit". I became a teacher to help my students become the best versions of themselves. That includes but is not limited to being curious, passionate, compassionate, self aware, and empathetic. Teaching is my calling.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My students and I created a "Very Special Prom" over twenty years ago. It is a dance, social, and dinner for students with disabilities, their parents, teachers, and fellow students from the surrounding community. What started out as a small gathering of 30-40 people has grown into a party of 300-400 people. Every moment of seeing our students faces light up on their special night is a memory that is etched in my mind. The absolute happiness in the experience is unforgettable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My family believes in experiences. We would first put some money into my 7 year olds college fund and the rest we would use to travel. I want us to learn about Greek Mythology by going to Greece. Not by watching a movie. To learn about the Ocean by snorkeling in reefs. Not by watching Shark Week. To learn about collectivism by going to Southeast Asia. Not by reading it in a textbook. To learn about Shakespeare by being in England. Not by reading sonnets. Want to come with? It will be fun!