Denise Bakkar
Teaching is heart work. I love seeing the invisible, believing in the overlooked, and helping every child discover their greatness.
Teaching is heart work. I love seeing the invisible, believing in the overlooked, and helping every child discover their greatness.
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 MoreI became a teacher to be the person I needed as a child—someone who sees, believes in, and lifts every student. Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age and struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia showed me the deep impact of feeling invisible. As a single mom raising my own children while pouring my heart into my students, I am driven to create a classroom where every child feels seen, capable, and valued, and can discover the greatness already within themselves.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experienceSeeing a student I taught in NC nearly 10 years later at Walmart in Texas was unforgettable. Her mom said, “She may not recognize you!” but the moment I screamed her name and ran to hug her, she shared she now goes to high school locally. She said I was her favorite teacher and that I inspired her to become an educator. I realized the lifelong impact of care, belief, and encouragement. This is why I teach: to lift every child, nurture their confidence, and help them discover their greatness.
What would you do with the $25,000?It would change my life! I invest my heart, time, and resources into my students every day, often providing for their needs personally. With $25,000, I would save it for retirement, giving me security and easing the worry that comes with limited teacher benefits. Knowing my future is more stable would allow me to serve my students fully, believing in them until they believe in themselves, nurturing their confidence, and creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Help Denise Bakkar 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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