Aliya Cunigan

Tell us why you became a teacher

I began teaching when I noticed the deficit of the quality I received while living in a lower income neighborhood versus the quality of education given when I transferred outside of my zoned area. I found the limitations given to my zoned school to be a systemic problem that based our ability to learn on our economic status. I have dedicated my career to teaching in lower income neighborhoods.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My last day of teaching in a school I’d been at for 5 years was my most memorable experience in my career. Students who I assumed would be delighted about my absence surrounded me with genuine love and respect. I received letters of gratitude and even songs filled with emotions. This was a moment in which all the work I’d put in, that I assumed was unnoticed, felt worth it.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With 25,000 I would genuinely pay off my medical debt. In October 2025 my school district, IOTA Community Schools, announced the closure of the school I taught at. Faced with anxiety, I decided to move to another district for job security. During this move, the increased stress caused me to develop kidney stones. Unfortunately, I was not under any insurance and have accumulated debt due to this issue.