Ally Giesting

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was in middle school, I felt very alone and unseen. I had a teacher who reached out to me and helped me see that I was worthwhile, deserved to be heard, and deserved to learn. It was pretty much then that I decided I wanted to be that person for as many other as possible - someone who shows others that they have a voice worth hearing and a perspective the world needs. Learning and knowledge is theirs to be had, I can just help you find your personal keys that unlock them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student who school was (is) a struggle for. He came from a difficult home life (sometimes no home at all), so doing homework was not as big of a priority as making sure his family had food and clothes. Knowing this, he and I spent a lot of time (often before school) making sure, first, he felt safe and seen and, second, that he could keep up in school. He wrote me a note (something he never did for teachers) at the end of the year. It's by my desk today. It reminds me why I'm here.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Make my classroom magical! So much of what I bring to my classroom and students comes out of my own budget (which is limited), but with this amount??? The classroom library I could have! The resources! I'm trying to do more innovative learning and this would help open that door with what I could provide! Also, the space I could create for them that feels exciting, fun, safe, and somewhere they look forward to coming to each day! How much fun would it be to create a space like that!??