Shedane Olukoga

Tell us why you became a teacher

Fourteen years ago, I made one of the best decisions of my life!I became a teacher. Not just because I loved Science, but because I had teachers who saw me, who pushed me, and who made me believe I could be anything I wanted to be. My middle school and high school teachers didn’t just teach subjects; they shaped lives. They showed me what it meant to be heard, to be valued, and to be challenged. They made learning exciting, and more importantly, they made me feel like I mattered.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Transitioning from 6th to 8th-grade science was one of my most memorable experiences. I feared the fun might fade, but I quickly learned teaching isn’t about the grade it’s about relationships. Seeing my former students again let me witness their growth, confidence, and strengths. Our Bluetooth Unit Drills proved that when students feel valued, they thrive. That year showed me that learning is fun at any level, and true impact comes from investing in students as people, not just scholars.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25,000, I’d throw a celebration for my students because when they feel valued, they thrive. Their hard work, resilience, and success deserve to be honored. Beyond the party, I’d invest in hands-on science experiments, field trips, and resources that make learning exciting. Science should feel like an adventure, not just a subject. I’d use the money to show students they matter, their efforts are seen, and their success is just the beginning of something greater.