Dawn Urian

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because when I was in Kindergarten I loved my teacher and I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!! I used to play school all of the time and knew that was what I was going to be. As I got older I realized I had a gift of connection and since I love children I knew it was the right path for me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Some of my most memorable moments in teaching are when the 'light bulbs' pop on! Students who can't read when they come to me and then a few months later, they are reading!! One particular child stands out when I asked her to read something and she said, "I can't read" I said, "Yes, you can---these are the words we've been going over together...just try!" So, she took a deep breath and started reading the passage...slowly, but she did it, and started crying! I cried too!!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put that toward my sons (3!) college funds! It is tough having 3 boys in college at the same time!