Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love to share knowledge with others and see the pride others have from learning something new. I wanted to be the inspiration for others to do hard things! I also love being able to foster a creative and inclusive environment where even if students do not feel welcome at home or in public, they always have a space they can be exclusively themselves without any worries.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A memorable teaching experience I had was becoming the teacher for a classroom whose teacher went on an extended leave for the rest of the year. The students were very hesitant to give me their trust, but by the end of the year, they gave me a sign they created in secret that said "We love you Mr. Ness" that everyone had signed. It felt like a breakthrough moment with my students, accepting me in as their teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would want to spend part of it on creating an even better classroom experience for my students through purchasing flexible seating options, manipulatives, and classroom decor. I would also want to spend some of the money to travel the world to gain more cultural knowledge and experiences that I can share with my students to teach them about places besides the United States, and connect better with my students whom are from these other countries and places I visit.