Linda Starks

Tell us why you became a teacher

U became a teacher because when I was 9 years old, I had a musical mentor by the name of Minister Erroll Stillwell, and he was able to cultivate my talent of singing n mode me into the adult I am today. A proud Black woman that has passion of giving back to her community of working with children of all diversity using Theater As A Means To Capture Youths. I wanna instill in them the good n talents n smarts that they have inside that the world has not seen yet.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student who had a twin brother but the brother died at birth. He came to my class with no language at all n during circle time in my classroom each student would state their name, the date, month, n year when they were born, saying their mother n father,s name . Each child would say this every day n the child that couldn't speak would watch them, everyday for 1 year. The last day of school he took the microphone n started talking, that was the happiest day of my life.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'm launching a Kid,s show Title Welcome To Subie,s World, it's about kids helping each other thru their every day problems, the will work as the mediator thru dance, poetry, health etc. The money would be great!! Towards a videography, Dance Instructor, Recordings, event coordinator, t shirts, and an event coordinator, so the money would be put to good use, so I'm hoping n praying I,ll be chosen.