Marilyn Seaton

Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching had been a calling on my life since I was just a little girl. I avoided the call, married, had children and , still, the calling kept getting louder. Finally, at the age of thirty I gave in and computed over seventy-five mlles a day three days a week for four years to earn my degree. I was so excited to get a job where I could see the students find the solution after I taught them where to look. Teaching let me witness students finding their talents and using them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of the moments that stands out in my mind is a little second grade girl that I had in class that struggled with penmanship. Printing was so hard for her, and she was very smart in her subjects. I set aside a time each day to help her write and praised her for all her improvemnts and efforts. The same little girl became a high school senior and showed up at my classroom one day with a beautiful handmade sign. I said, "Wow, who taught you to write like that?" She smiled and said, "You did!"

What would you do with the $25,000?

While this idea is not new nor creative, it is from the heart! I would use the $25,000 to help those that are less fortunate. So many students I have taught over the years would be so excited to have just a few of the luxuries many students have. Some things would include new shoes, socks, warm coats, shampoo, conditioner, bath towels, blankets. Also, I could make household baskets for many families that include cleaning products, family board games and healthy snacks. That would be so awesome!!