Lori Henderson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher so that I could impact students and help develop critically thinking members of society. What I soon discovered was my students were having a greater impact on me. As a teacher my empathy and cultural awareness has grown far past what I could imagine. This all happened because I thought I would be the one impacting future generations instead of future generations impacting me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was during a pennies for pasta fund raiser. My students were so excited counting coins every morning thinking about the impact it would make of future cancer patients. There hard work and sacrifices paid off and they won a pasta party which they loved and tickets to a smokies game. Due to financial hardships many students would have been unable to attend. But thanks to a supportive principal and community we were able to make a field trip happen for these students.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to use the 25,000 to enhance my understanding of the topics I teach by immersing myself in the culture of the content I teach in order to make the information come to life for my students.