Eric Sullenberger

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I had an awesome history teacher (Mr. Havas) who made me want to teach. Instead of teaching history, my guidance counselor (Mr. Cain) advised me to pursue my love of science. When I took physics with Mr. Shade that I found the subject where all the topics I loved were. He was awesome and I wanted to be just like him. In college I majored in physics which allowed me to get deep into my subject and then I got my teaching license. Now I get to return the favor and inspire the next generation.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I love seeing the lightbulb moments where everything clicks for my students. This happens most when they get the chance to be hands-on & experimenting in science. The most memorable time was when a group of 8th graders were skeptical that gases have mass and therefore density. So we impromptu went hands-on with gases. To figure it out they had to design experiments. They were curious and fully engaged. Their understanding deepened because they got concrete experience- lightbulb moment achieved!

What would you do with the $25,000?

That much money is a game changer to a teacher. I’d use the money to pay off college debt and to invest in my daughters’ college education. From there a down payment on a new car (my family’s only car is 16 yrs old and has over a quarter-million miles on it). What’s left would go to expand my science hobbies - bird watching and amateur astronomy. I’d probably buy new binoculars, upgrade my camera, new bird feeders (including a smart feeder), and a bird song recorder.