Alexis Harrison

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I know the power of one adult who makes a child feel seen and valued. My teachers shaped my confidence and my future, and I knew I wanted to do the same. Teaching is not just my career it’s my calling and my ministry. It’s how I pour love, structure, and belief into the next generation and help students see their God-given worth and limitless potential.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The most memorable experience hasn’t been one single day, it’s this entire year. I had the opportunity to teach the same students again, and the respect and trust we built carried over. My classroom shifted from teacher-led to student-led. They hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and lead with confidence. Watching that growth confirmed that relationship-driven teaching changes lives.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in my students and complete my doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction, where I research relationship-based classroom leadership. My goal is to help educators build classrooms rooted in respect, not fear. I would expand hands-on science opportunities for my students and create transformative learning experiences. And yes, meeting Bill Nye would inspire my entire class to dream bigger.