Quarter-Finalist

Linda Bustamante Padron

I love teaching because I see children grow in confidence & knowledge, inspiring them that with hard work, anything is possible!

Currently 9

in the Quarter-Finals
LIMITED-TIME: 2X VOTES

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 17th of April at 7PM PDT

One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!

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Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up, I saw the impact my mother made as a Pre-K & Kindergarten teacher - so many of her students still remember her today. That lasting impact, built through trust, support, & love, was deeply rooted in my heart since I was a little girl. Seeing children grow personally & academically, spread kindness & gain confidence are some of teaching's greatest gifts. I wanted to be the teacher a child remembers for inspiring their love of learning & being there every step of the way.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Teaching is filled with beautiful moments that have shaped me, a culmination of experiences rather than just one. It's the child who invites me to their graduation, the student who became a teacher because I inspired them, & the hearing-impaired child who felt accepted & loved. It's the family facing hardship who found comfort knowing their child was in good hands. These moments are the heartbeat of my classroom & why I teach - with love & gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a passionate advocate for literacy, I would use this opportunity to support initiatives that provide books & resources to children who need them most. Every child deserves access to the joy of reading. I also hope to organize author visits to inspire young readers & ensure literacy remains a doorway to opportunity for all.

Planetary Society Planetary Society

Help Linda Bustamante Padron become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.

Limited-time: 2X donation votes ends on Wed 4/16 at 9PM PDT


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