Sonja Hansen-Smith
I love teaching because every kid needs a champion who believes in them regardless of past transgressions, reading level or future plans
I love teaching because every kid needs a champion who believes in them regardless of past transgressions, reading level or future plans
Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!
One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!
Learn MoreI had some great teachers and some not so great ones when I was in school. Ironically it was the not so good ones that inspired me to become a teacher. I saw how they failed some students and those kids fell through the cracks. I wanted to be the teacher that would take on the tough kids and figure out what makes them tick and how to reach them. I wanted to teach in unconventional ways and be the class period that kids looked forward to attending. I wanted to provide a safe space for them.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experienceI had a student that found me after I changed schools 8 years after I had him as a student. He had been a tough kid who was smart but came to me in BD classes. I knew he needed regular classes. I fought administrators and finally won. It wasn’t easy, but he did the work. I also got him into the debate team. He showed up in a pressed suit and tie and rocked it at competition. He graduated, joined the military and graduated from college. He came to thank me for not allowing him to quit in HS.
What would you do with the $25,000?I currently work at a juvenile detention facility with boys aged 14-18 that are sentenced to us and then some transfer to adult prison at 18. We need more vocational opportunities and experiences for our boys to help get them ready for life after us. We need more funds to support this. I also have two boys on the Autism Spectrum who really want to go to the WWII museum in New Orleans. I would love to be able to afford to fulfill that wish and love of history.
Help Sonja Hansen-Smith become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America's Favorite Teacher, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
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