Theison Anderson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher for many reasons, but one of the biggest is my family’s deep connection to education. I come from a long line of teachers, and growing up, I saw their impact on their students. Their passion for teaching and commitment to learning shaped my own appreciation for education and the role it plays in shaping lives. I have grown to understand that teaching isn’t just about throwing information at kids—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and making a difference.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A student struggled with math and often shut down when faced with tough problems. One day, while working on long division, I sat with him and we worked several problems out together- over and over. We did this every day for weeks. He became more and more independent. Eventually, he asked me if he could do it alone. I pretended to be sad but really, I was so proud.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use part of the money to finally pay off my student loans, lifting that weight off my shoulders. Another portion would go into savings or toward my retirement to plan for the future. I’d also set aside funds for a long-awaited trip to Thailand or South Korea—two places I’ve dreamed of visiting for years. Exploring those beautiful countries would be an unforgettable experience.