Kristi Beers

Tell us why you became a teacher

It has always been my dream to be a teacher. It began when I was a young girl who would play school at home. I also had an amazing role model who influenced me through her teaching career by helping her in her classroom at a young age. As it became more of reality later on, I began to reflect more on the memorable teachers I had in my life. I smile when I think of them because it wasn’t the content of what they taught me, but the connection they had. Relationships are why I teach.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I am not quite sure I can pinpoint my most memorable teaching experience. I feel that every year I teach I learn more about myself as a teacher. I learn, I grow, I change. I continue to find ways to make connections with not just my students, but our families. It is so important to me. If I had to reflect on one, I would say it was teaching during a pandemic in a new grade level and continuing to find ways to make connections and build relationships with my students, in whatever way I could.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win 25,000 dollars I would use it as a means to make more connections with school and home such as an after school program that brings teachers, parents and students together in our community.