Kimberly Vaughns

Tell us why you became a teacher

I’ve always loved teaching. Even as a teenager teaching Vacation Bible School, I knew that I was meant to teach. The joy that I experienced teaching was so exhilarating to me. My clinical experience in college further solidified my love for teaching. Making connections, introducing new ideas and concepts and facilitating discovery really made a difference to the students. I became a teacher to make an impact in the lives of children. I want them to know that education is powerful and impactful.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was a lesson on chemical reactions. I had to purchase material for the lab so that the students could actually see and describe what happens during chemical reaction. They were so excited and talked about the many different chemical reactions for months. There is no price that you can put on that type of experience.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win the $25,000, I would donate $5,000 - $7,000 to the school that I teach at now. The middle school labs are not equipped with necessary material and the students need to have meaningful hands-on experiences. I would take my family on a nice well-deserved vacation. Being a teacher, you dedicate so much of yourself to your students. I would like the time to focus on my family. I would also save the rest to go towards a new car. I’ve been driving the same car for over 10 years.