Andrea Fogarty

Tell us why you became a teacher

I always had a strong pull to help, help animals, help the earth and the older I got, help children around me. As life changed for me I was able to find strong influences in my life in the form of a few teachers. My middle school art teacher in particular, Ms. Latska. She was creative, patient, a positive influence and always willing to support her students. She was and is my role model, each day I try just a little more to emulate her persona.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first job teaching out of college was at Monticello High School, I loved the small town community and students came to class ready to listen and learn. I was able to see the growth in their art skills each day and felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment coming from the students and myself. It was very fulfilling to feel apart of the community, the school and know I was making a difference in students lives. It was a wonderful feeling to have students trust in me and share their lives.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use a portion of this money to pay off my student loan debts from completing my Masters. The rest I would use to travel with my family. I have three growing children of my own and know there are not many years left before they have families of their own and time spent together with shared experiences is one of the most important opportunities in this short life we are living.