Keri Keller

Tell us why you became a teacher

As a young girl I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. For Christmas I asked for chalkboards, a stapler, paper, ect. I’d play school in my room, and when friends came over it’s the only thing I wanted to do. I was always the teacher. I loved school. I would ask my teacher for any extra worksheets to bring home so I could play school. For a short time when my dad got sick with cancer I thought I wanted to become a nurse, but my heart was set on teaching. I don’t regret it!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are many I’d love to share like leading the Eco-Meet team to 1st place at the competition after teaching them the material for months. I must say that one of the most memorable moments was teaching a Social Studies unit on Africa and years later meeting up with a former student in Kenya. We happened to be there at the same time. Her love for Africa may have begun when she was in my 4th grade class. I was there to teach at a school in the village. She was there to serve at an orphanage.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m turning 50 in May, and I would love to take a second honeymoon with my husband who is also a teacher. We will be married 30 years next year! We would love to take that dream vacation. Also, our youngest daughter is getting married in September, and we sure could use the cash for the expenses of the wedding!