Peter-Sean Hart

Tell us why you became a teacher

When my mother passed away I reflected on her life. She did some amazing things, especially raising 10 kids as a single mother and taking in foster kids as well. My mother, beyond being a great parent and role model, could have been much more. I did not want that to happen to me. I was working as a para at a special ed behavior school at the time, and enjoyed every day, even the more challenging ones. So, I went back to college in my 40's and became a teacher. I enjoy teaching and giving back.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many, it is hard to choose. I will tell you about a more recent one. I have a student who when I .et her 3 years ago she could barely recognize her letters and numbers along with selective mutism. This year the young lady is reading at a 2nd grade level, recalling multiplication tables, and speaking to me, my paras, and other students in the classroom. I could not be more proud of the progress she has made.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000 I would take a trip to the Karen State refugee camps in Burma and Thailand and teach for the summer, and every year there after until the money runs out.