Cathy Shide

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was going into business, but started coaching. Students always complained about school. So I loved working with the kids and wanted to make school a fun learning experience. I loved math and science and wanted to share with students that problem solving and thinking will always be part of their lives. We all learn a living!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Best of times when students say, Ohhhh! I get it or I did it!! When in 5th grade I loved building electro magnetic motors, raising Monarch butterflies from caterpillars we found on our hike, investigating different patterns and ways to do arithmetic, and many activities that sparked their curiosity!

What would you do with the $25,000?

First pay any taxes on the winnings. Plan some activities for the students and pay for supplies. In middle school right now we want to coordinate a 8th grade math/ science project. I may buy another horse as I have kids coming to learn how to ride and work horses. My two horses are getting too old for the teens to ride.