Melanie Walker

Tell us why you became a teacher

I had played school throughout my childhood. However, my plan after high school was to become a nurse… but one class took me to a school in which I had to teach a class. It was during that class that I changed my plans and became a teacher as the experience reminded me that being a teacher was my calling.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience from teaching is taking on a difficult group of students and working with them for four years over which time I built strong relationships with and sent them off prepared to take on high school. The first year the behavior was a struggle I wasn’t sure I was going to come back for a second year but the way it played out I had them for four. I went from dreading my job to grieving them when they left. Watching them grow into who they are now is a true privilege.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If the money is for personal use I would pay off my student loans nothing fancy but helpful. If the money is to be spent at school I would use in three ways: one to bring more STEM to my science students, then to bring in writers to inspire my literacy students and also to help further our Outdoor Education and Wellness program we have at our school.