Quarter-Finalist

Seemab Akhter

Being a Special Education Teacher is an incredibly rewarding experience for me because it allows me to make a tangible difference.

Currently 6

in the Quarter-Finals
LIMITED-TIME: 2X VOTES

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 17th of April at 7PM PDT

One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!

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Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a Teacher because I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially when it comes to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Growing up, I saw how important education was in shaping someone's opportunities and self-confidence, and I wanted to be a part of that process. I realized that teaching was not just about imparting knowledge, but about connecting with students, and inspiring them to believe in themselves. I wanted to create a positive impact on the world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences happened with a student who had been struggling with communication challenges. They had difficulty expressing themselves. It was clear they had so much to say but didn’t always have the tools to do so effectively. We worked together on different communication strategies, including picture exchange systems and a communication device. But the breakthrough moment came when this student finally used the device to say their first full sentence: "I need help."

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would build a school for special needs children back home, I would dedicate every penny toward creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality learning environment that ensures every child, regardless of their financial background, receives the education and care they deserve. My vision is to provide a safe space for children with diverse needs, allowing them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, without any burden. The $25,000 would serve as the foundation for this school.

Planetary Society Planetary Society

Help Seemab Akhter become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.

Limited-time: 2X donation votes ends on Wed 4/16 at 9PM PDT


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