Jessica Pyper

Tell us why you became a teacher

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I would play library with all of my stuffed animals. I would read to them and teach them all sorts of lessons. When I was in high school, I would volunteer in special needs classrooms and settings as much as I could, which led to my love and passion for working with special needs children.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience would have to be when I was teaching science a couple of years ago. I was teaching about ice wedging and one of the students thought I said “ice wedgies” and insisted we call them “ice wedgies” for the rest of the unit. They still remember that and say “ice wedgies” when they see me. Aside from that, I’d have to say relationships I have formed with students. My daughter said when I’m around former students, it’s like she’s with a celebrity.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d love use some of it to take my students on a super cool field trip. I’d love to take some personal trips related to my field for professional development. The rest I’d use to pay off debt, which would eliminate that stress off of my shoulders and open up more opportunities for me to use money provide activities and experiences for my students.