Michelle Salmerón

Tell us why you became a teacher

I started off as a teacher’s assistant in a classroom that serviced severely handicapped students. It did not feel like a job, it felt like an act of service from the heart. I was a 1-1 aide for a boy with autism and Down syndrome. He did not respond well to anyone but me. I knew I wanted to further my education and make an impact on the lives of students for a living so I obtained my credential in mild-moderate special education.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching is experience was when I worked at a non-public school for students with autism and other mild/moderate disabilities. It was my first year teaching and I taught high school English, art, and health. I lacked confidence at the time because I had never taught classes independently. I remember a student saying out loud to the class “Miss Michelle has no confidence.” What that student said that day motivated me to be more assertive and show my confidence in teaching more

What would you do with the $25,000?

I currently have about 18,000 in credit card debt with high interest. A lot of my monthly check goes to making minimum payments and I struggle to get ahead. I am a widowed mother to a 5 year old and that money would help me create a better life by paying off debt and saving some for our future.