Patricia Wright

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to assist in giving students the opportunity to change the world. Changing the world means changing the mindset of what society says you can't be into teaching what students can be. As a child, my teachers taught me that your socio-economic status does not determine your success, it actually heightened my opportunity to be an example of what success is and what it can be. Teaching at a Title 1 school of resilience gives me that opportunity.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moment has to be having a classroom of students from all over the world teaching math. Most of these students that I've taught are ESOL and they require visuals that help aide in their learning. Teaching multiplication in the moment the lightbulb comes on, and you can see that they understand. Students are able to integrate what they have learned. I am able to step back to what is a teacher-led classroom, and it becomes a student-led classroom warms my heart.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to give back to the community by feeding the homeless and buying supplies for my classroom and students in need. I would also like to take my sons on vacation