Lori Norrick

Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching has always been a passion for me. I grew up pretty poor, no parent involvement and can relate to many of our students. I was fortunate enough to have teachers who cared enough for me and loved me to push me to beat the cycle. I have done just that! Teaching and being able to relate to many of my students home lived and know that my hug or my telling them they are loved, smart, capable of big things, could potentially change their lives…it is why I do what I do!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was several years into teaching when I was blessed with a little guy who had severe behaviors. I met with his mom and it changed my life. I listened as she told me she was fostering him and was going to adopt him, and that he had endured abuse unimaginable. That day I went and got paper work to become a foster parent. Still to this day, we keep in touch. He has made amazing strides and is an amazing young man. He changed my life and with that, he helped me become a foster and adoptive mom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off our debt, mainly our vehicle. This would allow me to be a little more financially free. I have four children who would love to be involved in more and this would give them the opportunities I did not have growing up.