Shelby Lattimore

I took an education class in high school, where my teacher helped me realize the field of education was a natural talent of mine. Being able to teach math and science is the perfect environment for me as a career. I also never get tired of seeing the 'lightbulb' moment in my students where they learn something new. One of my biggest driving forces to being a teacher today, is building my students not just academically but just being an all around great human!

My most memorable teaching experience is when I noticed firsthand how my classroom teaching affected students I do not have on my roster. I teach my students financial literacy skills (paying rent, bills, and fines); skills like budgeting and saving are key components of our class economy. I remember the younger sibling of my students telling me that they were saving their birthday money because it was a smart money move their older sibling (in my class) told them about.

If I was lucky enough to win America's Favorite Teacher, I would sponsor our last third grade field trip and fund our end of year shirt, given to every third grade students. Usually this money comes from donations or the third grade teachers paying for what needs to be bought. It would be amazing to take that burden off of my team this year!