NicoleStClair

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher almost by accident. Working as a zookeeper, I also developed and delivered educational programs to visiting school groups. I became inspired by the excitement that students would show as they got to really 'do science'. Over time, I found myself in teaching positions, so I decided to take the plunge into public education.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Working in inner cities has provided me with many chances to help my students see that education can open up their future possibilities. I love when a student gets inspired by a classroom activity. When I hear a student engaging in scientific discussion and debate, it is the most rewarding feeling. A student recently told me that they started liking science because of my class. That's a win!

What would you do with the $25,000?

There are always more things teachers wish they could do for their classrooms and their students. I would use some of the money to purchase those supplemental supplies that could really enhance my students' understanding of the topics we cover in class. The hands-on experiences are critical in capturing the attention of today's youth and helping them create lasting memories of what they have learned.