Sofia Koza-Topp

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was inspired by my own high school art teachers who allowed a space for me to feel comfortable and safe while going through typical high school drama. I wanted to become a teacher because I understand the difficulties and joys my students experience. Students are so funny and I have a blast everyday.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I feel like after 22 years I have too many memorable experiences to just pick one. I have heard from alumni who tell me thank you for making a difference to their lives while they were a student of mine. As a school we have gone through a few student deaths and these impacted all of us as a community. I felt like my students feel safe around me and I feel safe around them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to split the money with my art teachers and take all our students on field trips to experience art in the real world. Take them to museums, musicals, sculpture gardens, etc. I would also love to use some money for myself to create a home studio to do my own pottery. I would also love to use some money for myself and 3 children to visit Japan where my mother was born and raised.