Patricia Roinestad

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was called into it when I was 14. I remember my high school guidance counselor asking me what I wanted to do when I grew up and of course, the only thing I wanted to do was to teach math.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Hmmm. One of my favorite memories happens only about two years ago. I had previously had a class for their seventh and eighth grade math classes. Four years later, they were ready to graduate high school and about 40 of them came back and wanted to share this high school graduation happiness with me. Part of the enjoyment of being a middle school teacher is watching these young 12 and 13 year olds grow into adults. I’ve had so many come back to visit with me and thank me for a strong foundation

What would you do with the $25,000?

Use it towards my boys education. My older son starts college in September and I would love for him to continue his education at a great college. Unfortunately the colleges cost more money than a teacher can afford.