Jessica Howard

Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up in severe poverty, school was a reprieve for me. The teachers always provided a stable, safe environment for me to learn and connect with my peers. One teacher in particular, Mrs. Craig, was my first grade teacher. She would sneak snacks or donated clothes into my backpack and never made me feel less than. It spurred a love for school but also for the impact one teacher can have on their students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One time, a little boy of mine, 2nd grade, was creating a structure out of the scraps from snack (he’s a 5th grader now and definitely going to be an engineer or something amazing). When I asked what he was building he looked at me and said, “I’m creating a shelter for homeless people and their animals- just a prototype. We are supposed to give more than we take, right? I’m the idea guy, Mrs Howard you have to go make it.”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I just had a baby girl, Evelyn, and we live in a very old house. It needs new windows, the subfloors in the kitchen and hallway have rot damage and a fenced yard. I would love to use any extra to go on a local trip with my baby and husband. I grew up on the Oregon coast, so taking her to see that or maybe a warmer beach in California to see my brother and nephew would be fun too. I just want it to soak up some time with family without the usual stress of budgeting money.