Megan Smith

Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up with dyslexia, I was lucky to have patient teachers who loved their job and me enough to not give up on me learning how to read. I also grew up on a family farm which meant having grit to make sure all the farm work was done every day! I learned when I was very young that these two vocations would allow me to live my calling: providing others with "nutrition" for their minds and bodies.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I teach students with intellectual disabilities so many days provide memorable experiences. The most recent memorable experience is when students were working on learning how to write in cursive. One of my students stood up and shouted "Look I did it! I signed my name!". Our entire class celebrated this victory and had a break out dance party. I think the most memorable times in my classroom are those that allow us to celebrate our successes as a community.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'd invest in Guernsey genetics to enhance our dairy cow herd and add money to my wedding fund as I'm getting married next year! I'd donate to Family Farm Defenders to support other family farms in our area. At school, I want to enhance our 18-21 year old program. We have a cafe, The Tasty Tater, but having a food truck would allow us to better teach students real-world working skills. The food truck would promote community involvement while giving my students full-time jobs!