Bryan Dearing

I became a teacher because I struggled in school and had teachers who truly cared about helping me graduate. Their support made a lasting impact on my life and showed me the power of encouragement. After graduating, I worked at a school for at-risk youth, where I found joy in teaching the same skills and values my incredible teachers shared with me. I want to be that same supportive, positive influence for students who may be struggling and need someone to believe in them.

After nearly a quarter century of teaching, it is difficult to choose just one memorable moment. One that stands out was teaching my students about civil disobedience during the Oklahoma Teachers Walkout in 2018. Being with them at the Capitol and seeing them witness civic action firsthand was powerful. They saw how people come together to stand up for change and address important issues in their communities. It was a real-world lesson that brought our classroom learning to life.

I would divide the $25,000 into three parts. First, I would contribute to my children’s college fund to help support their future education. Second, I would place a portion into savings for long-term financial stability. Third, I would use part of the funds to travel to places I teach about. Experiencing these locations firsthand would deepen my understanding and allow me to share real stories and perspectives with my students, making lessons more meaningful and engaging.