Amy Calwile

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I felt called to live in my purpose and make a meaningful impact in the lives of my students. I wanted to be a source of encouragement and hope—someone who believes in them, challenges them, and reminds them of their potential. My goal has always been to teach lessons that extend beyond the classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences is receiving letters and messages from current and former students sharing how something they learned in my classroom, or a conversation we had, made a difference in their lives. While I take pride in teaching business concepts and real-world skills, what means the most to me is knowing that students felt seen, encouraged, and believed in.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funds to support hands-on learning experiences such as entrepreneurship projects, guest speakers from the business community, and opportunities for students to participate in competitions and leadership conferences. These experiences allow students to see what is possible for their futures and help them build confidence in their abilities.