Alicia Dierksen

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher for two specific reasons. First, my mom and grandmother were both teachers and as a child I would get to go to my mom's school if my school was off (she taught in a different district) and watch her in action. I saw how the kids looked up to my mom, and I loved how she got to be home with me during the summer. The second reason is because of two inspiring teachers that I had in elementary school. One in particular was my PE teacher. I wanted to be just like him!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many that it is hard to pinpoint just one. There are great moments like when I see a student experience an aha moment, there are sweet moments when I walk into the cafeteria and my previous students run up to hug me or they stop by my door to get included in my daily "greet the teacher", and there are the tough memories of students who have not made their best choices in school. The best memories are when students thank you for being the best teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly I would help my youngest son pay for his wedding to his partner, help my oldest son with medical bills, and use what is left to take an awesome trip with my daughter and granddaughter that my teacher salary doesn't afford me to take. I guess you could say that my children are my charity of choice.