Dasha Simkins

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to help children discover their potential. There’s nothing better than seeing a child realize they are capable.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences was teaching a student for two years. In his first year he struggled with speaking and recognizing letters and numbers. By the end of his second year, he had flourished; excelling in math and showing incredible confidence. Watching his growth reminded me that patience, encouragement, and belief can completely change a child’s path.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the money back into my classroom and students. I would expand our classroom library, create flexible learning spaces, and bring in hands-on materials that make learning engaging and accessible for every child. I would also support experiences that spark curiosity and a love of learning because when students are excited to learn, their confidence and success grow far beyond the classroom.