Lindsay Doolittle

Tell us why you became a teacher

My high school art teacher Orazio Salati is the reason I pursued teaching. He recommended I go to buffalo state College for Art Education. I have always been super passionate about children and art, that it seemed like the perfect path for my career.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The most memorable teaching experience to date has been helping students heal past trauma through art. A student of mine endured an unbelievable amount of trauma in his life. My art room became his safe place. He refused to see a counselor or show any emotion, but was healing through art. Until our final project in Art therapy. He wrote down all of his past trauma and pain on a ceramic plate and we smashed the plates to " Let go". He let go and thanked me. It was the most rewarding memory.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use part of the money for art supplies for my classroom. I would also use part of the money to save for college for my own children. The rest would go into savings for living life :)