Raina

Tell us why you became a teacher

I enjoy seeing the spark in children’s eyes as they begin to understand. As they learn to read and are so surprised that they can do it, their excitement grows. I love making them feel loved. I don’t know what their home lives are like, but when they are with me, they will always know that someone loves them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

For me, the most memorable is when you finally understand the impact you had on a student. I had a boy in a 5th grade class that was an amazing kid. We walked together to the bus each day and his family threw me a little baby shower while I was pregnant. Well, the year ended and I never saw him again. A few years later he tracked me down in my new school. He was becoming an Eagle Scout and wanted me to write a letter for him. It was amazingly special.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Well, I would definitely consider a trip! But I would want to find a way to gift something to my fellow teachers in my school. I am not sure what that would be as different grade levels have different needs. I love my building and fellow teachers and honestly everyone deserves the recognition.