Mandy Heal

Tell us why you became a teacher

In high school, my class was always confused by my chemistry teacher. I would listen and then reteach my class…I even went in at lunch to help other classes of students. I found that I can easily explain difficult concepts in ways others understand. It was the first time I saw that spark of understanding and have chased it ever since.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have a Native American student in my class failed Biology last year and would check out in class. I was teaching about plants and made a whole lesson about “timequakes” where students have to imagine the present if something in the past changed. I gave him the Natives teaching Settlers how to plant and survive in the desert. He was so creative in his response and proud of himself! Ever since then, he participates in class and comes every day! He just needed that spark of learning!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to go to grad school and get a masters in Biology! The program that I want to apply to does 2 weeks of research each summer. One of my life goals is to visit Australia and this program offers a research opportunity at the Great Barrier Reef! I would also use part of it to help pay off my mortgage, so that I can continue teaching.