Alanna Jones

Tell us why you became a teacher

My first grade teacher, Mrs. Doris Raspberry, made such a lasting impact on me. She recognized that I excelled in reading and often put me with other students that I could help. She told my mom that I was a natural born teacher, and that stuck with me for life. Upon choosing a career path, her words always echoed in my mind. I realized that my passion was helping others and becoming a teacher would allow me to utilize my God-given gifts.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many memorable teaching experiences, but my most favorite ones are when former students come back to visit you and remember pieces of advice that I gave, phrases that I used, or the hugs that I offered. That is when you receive confirmation that you are remembered and have made a difference in someone else’s life.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won 25,000, I would most likely invest part of it for retirement, but would love to grow my passion for outdoor education. Currently, I run an afterschool Nature Club at my school, and I would love to expand our school space to accommodate classes throughout the day. So much learning takes place outside the four walls of a school building.