Renee Cooper

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was a kid, school was my home. I had a loving mom and step dad, but there was a lot of trauma there. School was a place I felt safe, made friends, and wanted to do my best for my teachers. In 6th grade, I was able to participate in "service learning." I went to a kindergarten class and was able to support the teachers and work with students. That's when I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I love knowing and seeing students feel safe in my classroom. Knowing that they have the courage to make mistakes or come to me when they are having a rough time, means so much to me. I always say my number one job is to make everyone feel safe. In my room I want students to feel like they can be themselves and love all of their quirks that make them unique.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would use it to pay for snacks for my classroom. I would also use the money to pay for a teaching license for Washington State, which I plan to move to this summer. The rest I would use to help my family in the transition of moving states. This money would make this much needed change easier and less worrisome.