Maria Alderman

Tell us why you became a teacher

I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in 2nd grade. I always had great teachers and I think I was inspired by them. I found my special education by pure luck! I absolutely love teaching my emotionally impaired students. I love helping them overcome behavioral issues and teaching them appropriate coping skills.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Last year I read all the wild robot books to my class. I had a non-reader, who was a big movie kid, listen intently to all the books as I read. When the movie came out he and his grandma rushed to see the movie. He couldn’t wait to tell me all about it. Then he said, you’re right Mrs. A, the book was better! I was so happy to hear the book brought him more vivid imagery than a huge block buster movie!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my family on vacation! My young kids don’t always get the best version of their mom because my job is physically and emotionally exhausting! My family deserves a trip with mom where I can relax and be stress free! I’d probably also buy more books for my classroom because I’m a firm believer you can never have too many books!