Caitlin Peterson

Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up, I didn't know that I wanted to be a teacher. In college, I was a pharmacy student. After a few clinical rotations, and three years of working in a hospital pharmacy, I decided to switch my major. I graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology. Later, I completed my Master's Degree in Education. Upon graduating, I began my first teaching job in Saipan and now teach in Sandpoint, Idaho. I have been teaching for 23 years.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Teaching in Saipan gave me the opportunity to grow in my teaching practice, but also opened up a world where the outdoors was the science lab. Situated on the Marianas Trench, Saipan sits on both the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. My school, Hopwood Junior High, is located right on the ocean. This gave my students and I the opportunity to explore sea life (coral, urchin, eagle rays, reef sharks, and countless species of tropical fish). My time on-island was literally life changing.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Full disclosure, I would pay down my mortgage. My husband and I are both public school teachers in Idaho, a state known for it's low teacher pay.