Hayley Wray
After battling stage four cancer, returning to teach kindergarten gives me purpose, joy, and fills my life with meaning every day.
After battling stage four cancer, returning to teach kindergarten gives me purpose, joy, and fills my life with meaning every day.
Thank you for supporting Hayley Wray in this year's competition. Your donations and participation will benefit The Planetary Society in their mission to advance space exploration, inspire discovery, and empower the next generation of innovators.
I’ve always known I wanted to work with kids. From a young age, I was drawn to the energy, curiosity, and potential in children. Whether it was helping my younger sibling with homework or volunteering at summer camps, I found joy in supporting their growth. Watching kids learn and discover the world around them is something that has always inspired me. Becoming a teacher felt like a natural choice, allowing me to make a lasting impact on young minds and help shape their futures.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experienceMy most memorable teaching experience was when I created a mini-society for my third grade students. They earned class, “money,” and then had to pay bills. They also came up with business ideas to sell things to each other. It was one of the most memorable and fun things I have done as a teacher.
What would you do with the $25,000?My familY is still recovering financially from my needing to take several years off while battling stage 4 breast cancer. I would catch up on bills and hopefully had some money to my daughter’s college funds.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America's Favorite Teacher, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
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