Russell Fox Ellis

Tell us why you became a teacher

I live in a prison community. Many of our students in our district are related to someone who is incarcerated. My school also serves the homeless and battered women shelter. I see the community that my kids grow up in, and my heart goes out to them. I started teaching because I wanted to be a positive male figure in these kids' lives. I wanted to try to use humor and my love of reading comic books to show them that there are many paths to life that can lead to something fun.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student about six years ago who wanted to be a musician. He was very low academically, and only loved playing guitar. I remember telling him that his education was his foundation, but once it was finished he could build whatever he wanted on that foundation. He came back to visit me last year and we got to talking. He was a new father and part of a mariachi band. I asked how he was doing, and he said, "I'm just building my life." It was a great feeling for know he had remembered that.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would actually buy equipment for a maker's space. I have 3D printers in my classroom and teach CAD with tinkercad. I would love to buy glowforge CNC machines, clay throwing tables, and even tools and soldering equipment for making small mechanics and electronics. (I might also buy a few comic books).