Jodi McKenzie

Tell us why you became a teacher

I chose to become a teacher because I wanted the opportunity to influence young people's lives in a positive way like so many of my teachers did for me at that age. I wanted to show students that they matter and that their value isn't determined by what others think or the things they struggle with, but rather by never giving up which drives them to try harder and over every time until they find the success they are reaching for. I want kids to know they always have someone cheering for them!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My memorable was when a student, with learning differences, who had seen much more failure than success began wanting to come to school so that he could come to my class. His parents saw such a positive change in him because he felt valued in my room that they requested he stay with me for each new level of English throughout his high school career because he thought it was a safe space that provided structure while allowing him to learn! He is an amazing, productive adult now.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win the prize, I would use the money to take my family on a small vacation because they are always so supportive of me as a teacher. I would use the rest of the money to help my children go to college. I have a junior and a sophomore, so college is just around the corner. It would be nice to also put some of the money in savings to have a little nest egg in today's economy. Knowing we have that money in case of a need would take a lot of pressure off of my husband and myself.