Tylor Yakaitis

Tell us why you became a teacher

I initially became an educator because of the teachers I had growing up. My teachers made an impact on me that I will never forget. I want to make the same impact on my student's. My goal each day is to have my students love being in the classroom. I want them to be in a safe environment where they can share their true feelings, and grow. It takes one teacher to make a difference in a students entire life, and I want to be that teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience has to be the time I turned my classroom into an airport. For some background information, my kindergarten students loved transportation. They loved cars, trucks, trains, planes, and much more. Students completed a research project based on places around America. The day the students were presenting, I surprised them with an airport including a security checkpoint, a restaurant, and an airplane! Parents were invited for the presentation.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am going to be honest, students loans are a struggle. Some of the money would have to go towards my educational loans. With the rest of the money, I would transform my classroom into a students dream classroom. I would have flexible seating, couches, lights, and the new “Vibe 75’ Smart Whiteboard.” This would allow me to elevate my teaching game!