Alexis Wallraven

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe education changes the trajectory of a child’s life. Not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and generationally. Growing up, I saw firsthand how powerful one supportive adult can be. A teacher is not simply someone who delivers content; a teacher is often the steady presence, the encourager, the safe place, and the voice that says, “You can do this,” when a child doubts themselves. I wanted to be that voice.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher was the very first time I implemented the Cells Cookie Lab in my classroom. I had carefully planned every detail, hoping it would help students truly understand organelles and their functions in a way that felt meaningful. Still, I was nervous. It was my first time trying it, and with middle schoolers, adding food into a lesson can either become powerful or completely chaotic. That first Cookie Lab was memorable because I saw authentic engagement!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would build an outdoor classroom that transforms learning into an immersive experience. This space would allow students to conduct hands-on STEM experiments, explore environmental science, and collaborate in ways traditional classroom cannot offer. From pollinator gardens to interactive cell model labs, students would engage in lessons that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and cultivate problem-solving skills. This investment is more than a classroom, it's a lasting learning environment