Abbie Wilhelm

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love working with kids. When I was a child I loved school but I struggled academically. The years I had teachers that I have great connections with I flourished. My goals was to be that for my future students. Now, I love teaching even more because I have made great relationships with colleagues, I am privileged enough to educate future teachers through student teachers and I get to be witness to those "aha" lightbulb moments daily.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many memorable moments in teaching. Each student and family connection is memorable in its own right. Making an impact on someone's life isn't taken lightly, whether that be emotionally, behaviorally, or academically.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With 25,000 dollars I could change education for so many children in my district. I would help start an afterschool tutoring program with access to new books. I could purchase science materials to aid our new science teachers. Or I could help purchase a reading specialist position to work with our students.