Jessi Lee

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I truly love working with children. I tutored in high school and worked at a daycare before college. I love how every day is unique and interesting and so are the students!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a difficult but very smart sped student who was hard to reach and he would not do any work. I decided to take the extra time to feel him out, figure out what he liked/disliked, and what he needed from me as his teacher. Once I made that decision, I saw a great change in him and I’ll never forget the day he told me “Mrs Lee, you are always so nice to me.” I think not all teachers have had the patience for him and that’s exactly what he needed.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would definitely use it for classrooms items. I would also make sure to have a stash of things my students need in my classroom including first aid items, clothing, any physical needs they may have. Our students come with a lot of needs being a title 1 school. I’d also try to help out fellow teachers that may need something for their classrooms but can’t afford it.