Brittany Odenweller

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I grew up watching my mother teach and her love for it, and consequently fell in love with it myself. Watching her passion for teaching day in and day out while also making a difference in students lives daily and over long periods of time, I knew I could not see myself doing any other job. She has inspired me in a way I hope to one day inspire my own students!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was the day I was hired! As a Pk-2 educator I was offered the position to teach Elementary Science. Having never taught science before, this was a big change and shock to me! As I dove in head first, I got to witness and cultivate students love for science from the ground up. Getting to teach students multiple years in a row and actually watch them grow year after year in front of my eyes is the most memorable experience of all over these five years!

What would you do with the $25,000?

With this money I would invest back into our science program at our district. Teaching in a Title 1 school comes with challenges and funding issues. Seeing my students grow over the past few years and fall in love with science, I want to ensure that I can bring them the most fun, hands-on, and authentic science experiences that I can! My students mean everything to me and I want them to be able to enjoy the subject!