Claribel Hernandez

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my childhood experiences in which I struggled to fit in, especially academically. Instead of feeling supported by my teachers, I felt overwhelmed, anxious and not part of the community. As I got older and got to experience the difference that teachers who care made. I felt seen valued and capable. I decided I never wanted a child to feel the way I once did. I became a teacher to build a community where all students feel safe, welcomed and celebrated.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This year has both been the hardest and most memorable year in teaching . I stepped into a full inclusion classroom as a general education teacher to support students of all abilities. It’s a role that you can’t fully prepare for. However, seeing my students grow , accept and show empathy for one another pushed me to grow. This experience has strengthened my belief that every student deserves an education without labels where they are valued and included.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay for the remainder of my schooling because being a full time teacher plus a full time student is an extreme workload of 80+ hours a week . I would use the remainder to fund my classroom to create a thriving environment. I was given a bare classroom and this award would allow me to convert the space into something amazing for students.