Judy willner

Tell us why you became a teacher

Since I was old enough to talk, I was always playing teacher. There was nothing else I ever wanted to do.I have worked with children since I was 13. I retired after 40 years of teaching in 2019 and started subbing that September. I now tutor several families. I love helping children learn, grow and develop. It’s the most rewarding job ever.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In 2010 I was a Reading Recovery teacher. A sweet 5th grader would stop by my office to say hi.We developed a relationship.She told me that she was a cancer survivor and asked if I would help her write a book for children with cancer.We wrote that book, and our art teacher illustrated it.The art teacher and I self- published it. For 6 months we were local celebrities and the book was a hit. Writing that book and helping that child was a great experience. It changed both of our lives.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I was an inner city teacher for most of my career. I would love to use some of the money to donate to Firstbook.org- my favorite nonprofit. They put books into hands of children who have never owned a book. I give to them monthly and I have raised money for them. It would be awesome to help even more children. I would also love to travel with my husband. The sky is the limit!