Camryn Santiago

I became a teacher because I was inspired through grade school to lead others to success. I knew teaching was a passion of mine since third grade. As a teacher I feel that I am providing a safe, comforting, and welcoming space for everyone who enters. Each student deserves a safe space and I strive for that to be my classroom. I love helping students build confidence in themselves while also pushing them to achieve great things. I view my class as a family and being a teacher more than a job.

My most memorable teaching experience was incorporating when students created cinnamon ornaments by following a recipe and specific measurements. Through the experiment, a student with autism, who struggled engaging in any activity, was able to join in with the support of peers around her. They were copying the positive language that I had been saying to everyone. The class made me a card thanking me for the activity that helped their classmate join in.

With the $25,000 I would invest in things for my classroom that the school does not provide. For example, I’d provide all students with flexible seating choices and hands on activities that enhance their learning. I would also invest in intervention tools that would help me build the confidence of my struggling learners, which would help bridge the gap that has been created.