Krista taylor

Tell us why you became a teacher

My first grade teacher, Mrs. Harrison, was the biggest influence in my life at a young age. Along with my grandmother who died last year at the age of 95 and was a teacher for 30 plus years. I wanted to change lives like they did. I’ve wanted to be a teacher my whole life. I find so much joy each day just knowing that I helping at least one kid LOVE learning as I did because of my teachers.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have been teaching for 18 years now and have many heartwarming students from past students but I will never forget a sweet boy named Andy I taught in 7th grade in California. He unfortunately passed away of a brain tumor at the age of 16. He loved science and I LOVED having him in my class. I will never forget his love of learning and the hug I gave his parents when he passed and they said “Thank you for teaching him to love learning.” I will never forget him.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a school teacher, money seems to constantly be tight. I would use the money to pay off my husband and my debt so we could have a fresh start. I would donate some to St. Jude Children’s hospital in memory of my brother Nate, who died in a car accident in 2008 at the age of 23. I also would love to fly my 7 year old son, 4 year old daughter, my husband and I out to MN to visit my family, as we miss them very much.