Karen Clark

Tell us why you became a teacher

I decided to become a teacher because I always loved school. Also, I love helping others. It just came natural to help kids. Finally, my father just knew before me that I would love teaching as a profession.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have many memorable teaching experiences. One happened a long time ago while reading a dyslexic second grader's writing. I read his very misspelled passage and he almost cried. He said no one had ever been able to read his work. Another great experience was with a dyslexic freshman in high school. He was a challenging student. He struggled academically, lacked discipline, and did not want to be at school. Seeing him progress and then finally graduate was a joy. He is a young adult now.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to do some upgrades on my house and take a vacation. My husband and I have been married almost 40 years and have never really been on a long vacation.