Alicia Jackson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I would sub during my undergraduate years in college. I needed extra money so I would sub based on my class schedule. I enjoyed every minute of it and I earned a degree a biology and later started substitute teacher on my off days while working at a chemical plant. So it was like, having the best of both worlds. A principal, stopped me one day in the hallway and suggested that I do the alternative certification program and the rest is history. I got certified!!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I would do after school tutorials to help one of my students learn how to read. He was on a 3rd grade reading level in middle school. So I went next door and borrowed some elementary reading books because our school didn’t have any that could guide him through his progress of increasing his reading comprehension level to perform better in all his classes just not in science. I’m proud to say he learned how to read at his grade level.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would make a donation to the Apraxia for Kids foundation!! My son is autistic and nonverbal. I would take him on a cruise with the Autism at Sea cruise line.. he’s never been on one. I would get him the specialized speech therapy treatment he needs that I can not afford so that he can lean how to speak and not have to use his communication device . Also, pay off my student loans!!!!! Finally !!! lol