Lindsay Mason

Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up with a learning disability I always looked up to the special educators who made me believe in my abilities. The ones who told me to never give up! The ones who always held me to high standards despite my challenges. To this day I recall when I got into my dream school of UMass Amherst. I kept thinking it was a mistake or the misread my college essay. My special education teacher looked at me and said "oh Lindsay, nobody ever doubted you wouldn't get it to UMass except for you,my love"

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I don't think I can pin point one memorable moment of teaching. Every single day I show up to school with the intentions of "My students need me and look up to me" just like I did with my previous special education teachers growing up. Teaching students to read who were always told "they are most likely not going to be a reader" is what keeps me passionate in my classroom. Continuing to be a part of professional development is important to me as an educator so I can continue to grow and learn!

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a teacher, money is always tight. I buy all of my own classroom materials, spend extra time outside of school tutoring and teaching yoga! I would be so grateful and honored to be gifted $25,000 to put toward my rent and other daily living funds. Thank you for this opportunity and for appreciating teachers and honoring our hard work ❤️ lastly, no teacher goes into this field for the money. We go into teaching to shape the minds of young learners. Teach them compassion, empathy, and kindness.