Kelly Tison

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was in high school, I joined a club called Future Educator’s of America. We volunteered to help with a Special Olympics Bowling event. I had the most incredible day helping these athletes and was inspired to become a special education teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

For me, there is not a moment that I can pinpoint as the most memorable. It is more about experiences that happen every now and then that keep me motivated to press on when the days are difficult. It’s an email from a parent telling me that I am making a difference in their child’s life, it’s a student thanking me for helping her, or receiving a note from a former student letting me know about his life and accomplishments.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would probably use most of it for living expenses. My husband and I have 4 children ranging in age from 9-21. My 15 year old is about to get her driver’s license and I am already thinking about our car insurance bill when we add a 5 driver! I would love to take my youngest 2 to Disney World. They have never been, but talk about it often.