Janine Roosa

Tell us why you became a teacher

I knew I wanted to work with kids, and teaching in a high school gives me a chance to help them develop the skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One that immediately comes to mind is when a student, who had struggled in the past, stated asking questions about "To Kill A Mockingbird"- he had read ahead and had questions about something that happened in the next chapter. I was so pleased to see him so involved in what was going on, and he told me later that it really made a difference overall as his reading comprehension skills developed. We have stayed in touch over the years and he now has a great job, and a beautiful family!!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Take all of my students out to a Broadway show and lunch or dinner. I teach in a very high needs district and many of these students, despite being only 2 hours away, have never seen Manhattan and all the city has to offer. I want to broaden their horizons and help them learn what is out there.