Maria Giorgi

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher as a result of two children that I nannied for. Every day when I brought them home from school and supported them in completing their homework. After some months, the younger boy turned to me and said, "I wish you were my teacher, I like learning from you." I realized then that perhaps I could make an impact on more than just one child, perhaps I could try to make an impact on many. My aspiration is to give each child that I work with that feeling of success.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience came last year. I was teaching 8th grade social studies and I had one student that benefitted from a higher amount of behavioral support in the classroom. He also struggled with studying. This combination of behaviors and study habits impacted his performance, however we worked together to come up with a plan to study for the constitution test. After all of his hard work, he was able to pass and feel successful!

What would you do with the $25,000?

The first donation would be to the Care Closet at my school - a place where students can find winter clothing, menstrual & hygiene products, and snacks. My next donation would be to each teacher at my school - investing in each child. Next I would make a donation to a local program aimed at literacy since literacy rates continue to fall in the United States. Finally, I would use the last of my money to invest in community before/after school programming.