Courtney Green

Tell us why you became a teacher

Like most teachers, I was inspired by other educators in my life. My mother, an elementary school master teacher; past English teachers I had. Reading books in their classes was alway the best part of my day growing up. But once I entered the classroom, I knew it was the kids, not the books that would keep me coming back.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a group of 12th graders who elected to take my Shakespeare Comedies class. For their final exam, they had to perform a scene from one of the plays we read. They took a week to practice and prepare. I took them outside and they performed on the field with wigs, costumes, and handmade props. I heard one student say to their friend, “This is how school is SUPPOSED to be.” Fun, interactive, curious, maybe a little silly. I hope they remember that moment just as fondly as I do.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I had a dream of being able to visit Germany again. I’ve been trying to learn the language on my own for a few years now. It’s where I was born and to be able to visit it and speak the language while I’m there would be so special for me.