Terri Yearicks

Tell us why you became a teacher

I actually started teaching my little brother what I learned when I started first grade! As a teenager I taught swim lessons at the local YMCA. While there, I was asked to teach modified swimming skills to a young man with juvenile arthritis. It was so rewarding, that when I started college I entered a program for special education. It warmed my heart to see students with special needs succeed. I’ve had great role models including my dad who taught for 29 years. Teaching is my ministry.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was working with kids who had emotional trauma. Helping them learn while also giving them emotional support and encouragement touched me deeply. Having some of them move to regular classes and graduate high school was my biggest blessing.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to donate half of the money to my church to support a new youth program. The other half I would use to pay off some of my bills to ease my family’s financial situation so I can retire at 65.