Drolma Geyer

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because education changed my life. As a Tibetan girl, I attended a boys-only school because girls were not allowed to go to school. Learning gave me a voice and opportunities I never imagined. Now, as a teacher with a master’s degree, I am passionate about supporting multilingual learners and students in Title I schools so they can see their language, culture, and ideas as strengths.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments was watching my multilingual students confidently explain complex ideas in both Spanish and English during a Thinking Classroom lesson. Students who once felt unsure began leading discussions, using academic language, and supporting each other. Seeing their confidence grow reminded me why representation and language support matter in classrooms. Still today they reach out to me and support my current students!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to support literacy intervention for multilingual learners and struggling readers in a Title I middle school. The funds would help provide research-based reading resources, phonics materials, and culturally responsive books so students can build strong literacy skills and see themselves in what they read. I would also use the support to continue my professional training to better serve my students.