Dawn Coffey

Teaching has been one of my greatest accomplishments of my life. I currently teach a medical program for high school seniors

Quarter-Finalist

Currently 7

in the Quarter-Finals

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 7th of May at 7PM PDT
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The winning teacher's inspiring story will appear in Reader's Digest, celebrating their remarkable influence on education.

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Tell us why you became a teacher

Becoming a teacher was not originally the path I thought I would follow. Growing up, I had always imagined a future in law and planned to attend law school after completing college. However, one of the most powerful influences in my life was my mother, who was a teacher. Watching her balance the responsibilities of raising four children while dedicating herself fully to her students left a lasting impression on me. She went to work every day with a sense of purpose and genuine love for teaching.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most meaningful teaching experiences happened early in my career when I encouraged a student to read The Count of Monte Cristo. It became the first book he had ever finished. The following fall, his mother sent me a card thanking me for inspiring her son to read. Knowing I helped spark that moment was incredibly meaningful to me as a teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were honored as America’s Favorite Teacher, I would use the $25,000 to give back and support my family. I would donate $5,000 to the Greek school where I volunteer as principal, use $5,000 to take my children on a meaningful trip to create lasting memories, and put the remaining $15,000 toward my twins 529 College Saving Plan

Planetary Society Planetary Society

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