Dana Marsland

I became a teacher to be the individual who shows up for kids every day with a smile on my face, to make school their happy place! I am here to teach & love these kids like they are my own. As a mom of 3 boys, I think about what I would want for my kids at school, & I provide exactly that. Teachers are with their scholars for 6.5 hours a day—That’s a long time! We have the opportunity to provide an environment that allows kids to thrive, be themselves, ask questions, learn & grow!

My most memorable moment was when a new student transferred from Mexico to my 1st grade classroom midyear knowing minimal English. She was shy, but our classroom family welcomed her with warmth— She instantly belonged! Everyone jumped in to help her. In no time she was learning English & we were learning Spanish. By the end of the year her reading scores were beyond grade level expectations & she was a class leader, no longer shy & apprehensive. She thanked me, but it was her I was thankful for.

With the 25,000 I would pay down my student loans, buy more books for our school library, donate money to provide enrichment opportunities like field trips and continued STEAM learning for our scholars and finally, take my family on vacation to spend time together!