William Bradley

Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always wanted to be a teacher. It was not until I turned 35 till I decided to go to school and get my degree. I became a Math Teacher because of a teacher I had. I came from a broken family, and also suffer from dyslexia. My father was not around and my mother was too busy to have time for me. Mr Oswald, my Math Teacher in high school, not only helped me in Math, but he also protected me and treated my like his own kid. He was a father figure and I wanted to do the same for others as well

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The best moment is when I was the Senior advisor for the first time in a bush village in Alaska. This is the first class that I had their whole high school career. At their graduation, the students are allowed to get up and thank someone who ment a lot to them during there time at school. Out of 12 students graduating, I had 10 of them mention me in their speech and thank me directly. Such a heart warming moment as I still talk to most all of them even today, almost ten years later.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some for myself and my wife as we have just bought a house in the same town that I teach, but also use some of the money and give it to my school. We are a charter school and they do receive donations as well. I want to give to my school because this school is the best. The parents care and support the school and staff, board members care about the staff, and the administration cares and supports the staff. This is my dream location and I never want to leave.