Rebecca Norman

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

Coming from a family of educators, I’ve always had a passion for working with children. During student teaching, I felt a deep calling to support students struggling with behavior. Teaching became my mission to create a space where every child—especially those labeled or overlooked—feels valued and supported. Whether it’s listening, providing essentials like food or clothes, or cheering them on, I strive to help each child feel seen, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In 2014, I took over a 2nd-grade class midyear, labeled "extremely disruptive," and one student stood out. Behind his behavior was a child craving love. I gained his trust by seeing the best in him and rewarding his progress with his favorite snack, a Pop-Tart. By year’s end, he gave me a handmade book he’d spent all year creating, filled with superheroes and motivational sayings. It’s a gift I still treasure, a reminder of the power of connection and believing in every child.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000 prize, I would fund a stipend for a talented teacher on my team to create an ELA curriculum for our district. This curriculum would be grounded in the science of reading and evidence-based practices, focusing on mastery of standards with engaging instruction. Together, we can address the literacy crisis, spark a love of reading over screen time, and strengthen our district’s ELA approach to make a lasting, meaningful impact on our students’ lives.