Elie Nseir

Tell us why you became a teacher

After graduating in 2008, I spent years working part-time jobs during the recession, feeling lost and directionless well into my 30s. The pandemic became an unexpected turning point. I earned my Teaching Credential online and found my calling in the classroom. My first class of 8th graders made an immediate impact on me, and watching many of those same students return as seniors has been the most rewarding experience of my career. I feel very fortunate.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This is my first year teaching robotics and we entered a Robotics Competition. Our first robotics competition tested us in ways I never anticipated. The stress was immense and nothing went according to plan, but watching my students push through and ultimately win taught me more about resilience than I could have ever taught them. It really bonded us and we got to spend a lot of time getting to know each other through this process.

What would you do with the $25,000?

To be honest, I would pay off my student loans, but with the money left over, I could afford to buy new Lego robotics kits for my students. They are currently using kits from 2013 (these kits are as old as my students!) I teach Robotics and Computer Science, so I would also take the opportunity to buy a new powerful laptop (current one is now broken). I could use it to teach myself how to create video games so I can offer a Game Development course next year at my school.