Richard Bianchi

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to try my very best at sparking overwhelming interest in career/ technology education. I was constantly reminded of the need for a teacher, instructor, mentor, and friend by my son, who was graduating high school in 2009. The day of his graduation, my son passed away saving his best friend and a young man that he had just met from drowning. In the process, my son gave his own life. 16 years later, I strive to be the best teacher I can be, and to make my son and students proud.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I believe one of my most memorable teachings experiences was being nominated Baltimore City Schools “Teacher of the Year”, the same year that I was nominated and won “The Blue Heron Award” by Outward Bound of the Greater Chesapeake, for Teacher of the Year. Both were very unexpected, yet very humbling experiences and I will forever be grateful and honored.

What would you do with the $25,000?

In all honesty, I would use a portion of the $25,000 to pay off a few debtors and get my feet firmly planted to better myself as a CTE teacher. W/ that being completed, I would purchase a few items for our construction and carpentry shop that my students have desperately needed for years, but have not been able to receive the funding. If there were anything remaining, I would donate to a few charitable organizations. One in particular that I strongly believe in, Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.