Jennifer Parmelee

Tell us why you became a teacher

I know it should cliché, but I've always known I wanted to be a teacher. Just check my kindergarten yearbook! As a student, I was always so shy. For me, the most impactful teachers were the ones that made me want to take part in the lesson and break out of my shell. Since then, it has been my goal to be that teacher- the one that makes kids WANT to learn!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

For me, my most memorable teaching experience wasn't in the classroom. It occurred many years later... like 19 years later. I received a friend request from a former student. He wanted to send me his response to the question "Who was the teacher that impacted you most?" He wrote about me. He was making a lot of wrong choices. I gave him the advice that he didn't have to let his surroundings define him. He can be exactly who he wants to be. He's the only one who has that power.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25, 000, I would take a break from working in the summer. I've always had to work a second job to make ends meet. I would LOVE to enjoy the perk of not working during the summer!