Sarah Graham

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to help shape the future of our country. I feel that education is the ultimate equalizer, but it has to be delivered with empathy and kindness for children. I knew from a young age that I loved learning and helping others. Sharing knowledge with others, while also showing them love and support, is the goal of any teacher. For me, the choice to be an educator was more about teach children how to be caring, compassionate adults in a complicated world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A few years ago, as I was signing in, I witnessed a faculty member and student being verbally aggressive towards each other over a small matter. As I witness the exchange, it occurred to me that both of these people probably had more going on in their life than anyone knew, and this fueled their terrible interaction. So that day, I paused all lessons, and I gave my student the opportunity to talk about the heavy things in their life. We all found this therapeutic, and helped us build trust.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have 3 options- First- use the money for something responsible like pay my daughter’s college tuition or put it towards my mortgage. Second- I will could take a very nice vacation to Europe and save the any extra for a rainy day. Third- donate half to pediatric oncology research and the other half to the American Red Cross