Danielle Williamson

Tell us why you became a teacher

In third grade, I was a shy, quiet but very smart student. My teacher was so supportive and found ways to get me to shine. He knew when to push and when to let me do things my way, he encouraged me to join the astronauts club and found new ways to reach me to help my learning. I decided I wanted to be that influence on students. Finding ways to help them grow and blossom and become their best and authentic selves.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I currently teach in a low income area on the Eastern Shore Peninsula, and many students don't have access to hands on learning experience. One year, I took my students on a field trip to our local public beach and gave them the chance to explore ecosystems adaptations, learn real hand erosion from our sand dunes, and just be a child free to explore and learn. The students learned but also enjoyed the day so much, they talk about it four years later, and its become an annual grade level trip.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to help local families gain access to needed supplies and hands on STEAM learning. By providing materials, lesson support, helping to fund trips to places like the zoo or aquarium, students would get access to so much more knowledge than they currently can't