Tell us why you became a teacher

Since I was a little kid, I always loved school. I remember coming to school everyday and just excited to learn something new, see my friends and be in a loving and caring environment. I had unbelievable teachers and now role models that influenced me to also become a teacher. I knew since I was a child that I was once destined to become a teacher and become the positive influence my teachers were for me. Now a teacher for 5 years, I am living the dream that I had as a kid.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I first set out to become a teacher, I worked in an ESY summer program with students with ASD, focusing on daily living skills for kids ages 5-7. One student I worked with struggled to tie his shoes, & teaching him was just as challenging for me as learning was for him. All summer, we worked on it, facing frustration & setbacks. But one day towards the end of the summer, I heard, “Mr. Sean!” I looked down, & his shoes were tied. The pure joy on his face in that moment is exactly why I teach

What would you do with the $25,000?

My first two years of teaching, I taught in the NYC DOE. I have seen students of all incomes, being my school was a public school and also had a gifted & talented program. I have seen students enter school at a disadvantage because of their families income. With $25,000 I would like to go into low income areas in NYC & supply students with “clothing closets”, school supplies and books that can be donated to the schools libraries. Supplying students with necessities.