Melissa Valdez

Tell us why you became a teacher

I decided to become a teacher because of experiences I had as a child in elementary school. I noticed how some of my classmates struggled with solving math problems or learning to read and write, and I loved helping them. One day, my classmates told me that they understood the concepts better when I explained them than when the teacher did. That moment sparked something inside me and made me realize my passion for teaching. I wanted to become a teacher so I could help all those children.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

At the age of 22, I began my teaching journey as a kindergarten teacher in Mexico. My first job was in a small town, 10 hours away from home. I was the only teacher at the school, so I had to wear many hats—I was not only the teacher but also the principal, nurse, and custodian. I lived in a small room within the school, and in the afternoons, I organized Zumba classes on the school’s basketball court to raise funds for the materials my students needed. We all learned to work as a team.

What would you do with the $25,000?

10 years later, now with a master’s and a doctorate in education, I obtained a work visa to teach at a bilingual school in the United States. If I win, I have a dream of creating engaging, hands-on educational materials to motivate students to learn through play. I also want to train parents and teachers on how to use these materials effectively. For every material sold, I plan to donate one to schools with limited resources, ensuring that all children have access to quality learning tool.