Kristina Bivins

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was younger, I struggled to learn how to read, and I remember how difficult school was for me. I had some amazing teachers who encouraged and supported me during that time. Because of my experiences, I made the decision at a very young age to help children develop a love for learning while building their confidence to overcome any obstacles that may come their way.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I teach a transition classroom where students enter a year below grade level, and within two years, I am expected to bring them up to grade level. Last year, my first-grade students came to me unable to recognize the letters of the alphabet and were nonreaders. One of my most memorable experiences was when I handed this group a reading passage, and the entire room filled with children reading aloud! It brought tears to my eyes seeing their excitement for reading come to life!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received $25,000, I would start a reading chapter for struggling elementary students in grades 1 and 2. Each month, the students would receive a new book to help develop their decoding, comprehension, and fluency skills. As they gain confidence, we would visit local businesses to read together, and I would invite guest readers from the community to join us. I would also use the funds to provide monthly rewards for completing the monthly reading challenges.