Sulema Lira

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to make a difference in the world. My job is more than a job. Each day I'm helping children learn and grow. I'm impacting their future and the future of the world. I've taught for 11 years and the thought of knowing I might have taught the next president of the US learn to read is amazing!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was teaching through the covid crisis. I had students in person and I had students online. It was memorable because the students in person would pair up with a virtual student for an assignment. In class, a student would walk and talk with his Chromebook while completing the work. The best part was when the virtual students came back to in person learning and they met their classmates in person!

What would you do with the $25,000?

After teaching for 11 years, I have seen students needing a lot of things their parents could not afford. For example, clothing and school supplies. I am also using a used laptop for work. I would buy a brand new laptop for work and some technology for my students. I would also pay off some of my college loans and credit cards. I've charged a lot of the things on my credit card that I use in my classroom. I would also pay some on my mortgage. Finally, I would take a nice vacation.