Toni

Tell us why you became a teacher

My parents passed away when I was eight years old, and I spent a few years in an orphanage. At age 13 or 14 I was placed with a foster family. Both of the foster parents were teachers.. through their mentoring and guidance I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Mentor young minds and hopefully instill in them the love of learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In approximately 1978, I had my own daycare/preschool in Browning, Montana. I was blessed with having several Littles under my care.. I taught them to read, count and enjoy the love of learning, especially reading, as much as I did. Many, many years later I, Logged onto Facebook. One of my students from 1978 contacted me and told me that I was responsible for her going to and all the way through to receiving her bachelors degree. Filled my heart. 🤗🤗

What would you do with the $25,000?

Wow! I would like to make sure that those students, and there are many, have the supplies and tools they need to be successful. Too many parents cannot afford the “small” items; markets, crayons, erasers, and pencils. Definitely, new and current reading books for the classroom. For myself, a new IPAD.