Dr. Jodis Bedsole

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I found that I had a natural talent to help children with learning issues. I helped a stepbrother to read at age 14. Over the next 4 years, he was able to catch up with his age-appropriate peers and graduate with his peers. He later joined the military. He helped to inspire me to continue my education and continue to help children learn.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Honestly, I can not say that I have one more memorable experience better than others. Everyday is an adventure and a world of new discoveries in a special needs classroom. In my classroom, a great deal of discoveries are made by making things more real. For several years, our class has made trace fossil impression using air dry clay. The students were able to paint them. Years later, some of the parents have told me that their child still has the trace fossil.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would build a chicken or duck coop. I would like to use some of the money to travel a little. Knowing myself, I would probably treat my coworkers and students to something, like food or shirts. I would also give some of the money to my paraprofessionals. They work as hard as I do.