Ann Marie Dean

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my grandmother was one—she showed me the power of shaping young minds. Teaching multiple grades for 26 years, driven by a simple goal: helping students enjoy school and learning. What keeps me going isn't the curriculum—it's the students. Their hugs, genuine smiles, and infectious urge to learn remind me daily why I chose this path. Every breakthrough, every "I get it now!" moment validates the sacrifice. My grandmother's legacy lives through me in every classroom I

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A student sat in the back corner, convinced she wasn't a math person. After three failed tests, she'd given up. Then we used pizza slices to teach fractions. Something clicked. Her hand shot up: "So if I eat 3 out of 8 slices, that's a part of the whole?" Her face transformed. She spent class solving problems, actually wanting to learn. At dismissal, she hugged me and whispered, "I'm not bad at math. I just needed pizza." That moment—seeing her believe in herself—is why I teach.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a dedicated teacher of 26 years, I would invest in my classroom—new math manipulatives or technology. I would support students in need, perhaps purchasing school supplies for families struggling financially. I would experience different professional development, or a well-deserved sabbatical to recharge. I would love to honor my grandmother's legacy by establishing a small scholarship fund for future educators. Finally, I would treat myself after decades of shaping young minds and hearts.