Djuna Kotun

I have known that I wanted to be a teacher since childhood; inspired by educators who shaped both my character and confidence, I experienced firsthand the power that a teacher has to change lives. Teaching is more than a career for me--it is a who I am! I am committed to creating a space where students feel seen, valued, capable of growth, and yet also challenged in the most creative of ways--helping them learn about themselves in the process.

We explode watermelons with bands to help students understand energy, force, and motion. One of my most memorable teaching experiences involved getting smacked in the nose pretty hard with an exploding watermelon--goggles and all--in the name of science! With that, what could have been a messy moment became a powerful lesson as my students were more engaged, curious, and invested than ever! It reminded me that unforgettable learning requires that vulnerability and creativity.

If I won the $25,000, I would use it to fully pay off my debt--allowing me to focus more fully on my students and long-term professional growth. I would go back to school myself to pursue a Master's degree in Instructional Design, or a related field, with the goal of becoming a college professor who prepares and mentors future teachers. This allows me to share my love for teaching with more teachers the way my college professors did with me--expanding my impact far beyond my own classroom!