Shawna Barnes

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I saw a broken system at an early age. The quality of education I received wasn’t the same as my friends across town. As I grew up, America got more divisive and hostile. I want my classroom to always be a safe place. Changing the world starts with our youngest generations.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first teaching job was at a predominately white Christian school. I taught my class about MLK. One of my students looked at me and asked why people would be so mean to someone based on the color of their skin (they’re 5) and I was reminded that these are little pure humans experiencing life for the very first time, just at the most inopportune time.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off the rest of my teaching loan first and foremost. I would also like to see a lot of that money go back into the community around me. I live in a poor neighborhood that is often forgot about, but I would like make a small community library or safe space.