Veronica Monsivais

Tell us why you became a teacher

I believe I've always had the vocation to teach even in my younger years. Later I knew it was my passion because I want to see others succeed. There is no better feeling than seeing a child make connections and realize they've learned something new. Creating bonds with my students is priority for me because above all I want them to feel valued, loved and safe. Every child has potential and I make it my goal to bring that out in them and help them believe in themselves.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have a few, but two are when I ran into a former student (as a middle schooler, I was his PK teacher) from my first year teaching and with tears in his eyes he said, "I miss you" and also when I had a total of nine hispanic nationalities represented in my classroom and we preformed "La Gozadera" all proudly waving their country's flag. It was a beautiful show!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to pursue a Doctorate in Special Education and maybe also, use partof it for a down payment on a new car 😁