Liane Roth

Tell us why you became a teacher

I chose to teach three years ago, the week before my 62nd birthday, because I felt so unfulfilled at my job. I wanted to share my passion for words, my love of reading, and my thirst for challenges with young people who seem to be searching for compassion, humor and encouragement. I read of the teacher shortage and felt I could be of value to my community and perhaps inspire young minds to explore beyond their limitations, to reach new heights, achieve their dreams and goals.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Last year I had a 6th grade boy tell me he had never owned a book; I asked him what he liked to read and he said nothing because books were boring. He told me he loved basketball and would read about it if he could so I bought him a book about Steph Curry, wrote him name in it and gave it to him. He cried and hugged me when I explained it was his very own forever book. His reading level went from 2nd grade to 6th and now he shares his favorite stories with me when I see him in the halls.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Buy every student in my middle school their very own book and then travel to Greece with my husband as I have wanted to go fhere since I read Greek mythology in high school.