Michael Wilt
Kids are so entertaining. Sometimes they say the silliest things and sometimes they say the smartest things. Teaching keeps me young.
Kids are so entertaining. Sometimes they say the silliest things and sometimes they say the smartest things. Teaching keeps me young.
Thank you for supporting Michael Wilt in this year's competition. Your donations and participation will benefit The Planetary Society in their mission to advance space exploration, inspire discovery, and empower the next generation of innovators.
In college, after falling asleep in a lecture due to working full-time, my professor publicly humiliated me instead of offering support. Embarrassed, I never returned and was kicked out of the engineering program. This experience motivated me to become a math teacher. I wanted to ensure no student would be discouraged or belittled by an insensitive educator, and instead, I hoped to inspire, connect, and offer the support that I did not receive in that moment.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experienceDanny was an eccentric student in my Integrated Math class—queer, neurodivergent, and with few friends. One day, he stayed after class and stopped by my desk. He said to me, “Mr. Wilt, I know it’s hard to fit in here, and I just wanted to thank you for being such a welcoming teacher.” He then handed me a bright green apple. It’s been 14 years, and I still smile every time I think of that moment. His gratitude reminded me of the impact a teacher can have on a student’s life.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would pay off the rest of my student loan debt. Period.
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