Anne Maddox

I never originally planned to be a teacher. I wanted to become a physicians assistant. However, when I stepped into the classroom as a temporary job before PA school, I fell in love with the students, the content, and the impact a teacher can make. I discovered a passion for helping kids, learn and grow, and realize that teaching was where I truly belonged.

My favorite memory is taking our sixth grade students to the Huntsville Space and rocket Center every year. Getting to watch them experience so many things for the first time is unforgettable. They begin to see how their home state of Alabama connects to Space history and innovation, which gives them a sense of pride in where they come from and the confidence in what they can achieve.

I would use the $25,000 to purchase a class set of VR goggles for my earth and space science classroom. As a teacher in Alabama, many of the places and processes we study can feel distant and abstract. VR would allow students to explore Earth’s features and space environments in an immersive way, helping them visualize concepts and deepen their understanding through meaningful and interactive experiences.