Shelly LaPlante

Tell us why you became a teacher

I remember wanting to be a teacher as early as in second grade. I had a wonderful teacher who would let me take home the extra papers so I could play school at home. My mom bought me a blackboard and it was my favorite thing to do as a child. As I grew up, I did a lot of babysitting because I loved being around kids. I had several teachers who inspired me to become a teacher. My mother and father were also teachers by trade and always supported our school staff. School was always a safe space!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In recent memory I had a student who chooses to stay at recess due to behavior problems at free time. One day another boy had complained of a head ache so I told him he could also stay in the classroom during recess. I had him rating on my comfy chair. As I passed him I felt his head and then placed my fuzzy coat over him like a blanket. The other boy looked at me and said you are acting like a mom. I said I hope I treat all kids like my own children. He just smiled at me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

So many things I could do with that money. We always need supplies in our classroom. I spend a lot of money on craft supplies, decorations, gloves, socks for students. Our book room could use an overhaul. I would love to support getting some Science Museum presentations back into our school. Always a need for playground equipment. The list goes on! Thank you for this opportunity!