Danelle Hovenkamp
As a special education teacher, I love teaching because I get to work with kids to reach their spark moment and see their confidence grow.
As a special education teacher, I love teaching because I get to work with kids to reach their spark moment and see their confidence grow.
Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!
The winning teacher's inspiring story will appear in Reader's Digest, celebrating their remarkable influence on education.
Learn MoreAs someone who has a learning difference and was told I wouldn't be able to do things, I became a teacher to make sure other students are never told that. Instead we focus on different ways to do it and ways to grow and challenge ourselves. We focus on growth, both personal and academic, by learning not only academic things but also things for when they leave high school. Additionally, I do this by coaching numerous Unified sports teams, which allow all students access to sports.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experienceMy most memorable moment was when I had a student that didn't think he could make it to graduation, actually make it! He spent extra hours everyday with me to get caught up and be able to walk across that stage. When I ran into him a year later, he thanked me for never giving up on him and caring enough to push him while supporting him to that next step of college.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use it to invest more into our Special Olympics program at our school to help us have proper equipment so that we can offer more supports for students.
Help Danelle Hovenkamp become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America's Favorite Teacher, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
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