Deveena

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I believe education can change the direction of a person’s life. Growing up, I was fortunate to have teachers who looked beyond lessons and grades and truly cared about the kids in their classrooms. They noticed when someone was struggling, encouraged us when we doubted ourselves, and created spaces where we felt safe to ask questions and be curious. Those experiences stayed with me and inspired me to become a teacher so I could create that same supportive, encouraging environment for my own stu

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During my practicum as a student teacher, one of my most memorable moments happened during a math lesson when I confidently explained a concept, only for a student to raise their hand and politely point out I had written the wrong answer on the board. The entire class burst out laughing, including me. It turned into a great reminder that teachers don’t have to be perfect, and that learning (and laughing) together and making mistakes is part of what makes the classroom special!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received the $25,000, I would invest much of it back into my classroom. I would fund art projects like sewing and clay, create more outdoor learning opportunities through a classroom garden, and support meaningful field trips that bring learning to life. These experiences help students learn creatively and connect with the world around them. I would also use a portion to take my family on a vacation to create special memories together.