Hinde Morelli

Tell us why you became a teacher

I loved teaching my children when they were little and realized I was kind & patient enough to teach other people’s children too. And it was fun! I worked at my kids’ preschool as a TA and then decided to go back to school online to get my license. It was very hard work but I ended up getting tenure. And several years later the first teacher I worked for at that preschool ended up becoming my TA. Teaching gives my life meaning and richness and keeps me from getting dementia.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In special Ed it can be harder to see progress or growth and often older students are embarrassed to work with you, embarrassed about their disabilities. During COVID many students missed school and had to learn remotely. There was a student who was failing and horrified she had to work with me and rarely would speak. I tutored her online for several days and she worked hard and passed her class. A small victory like that can mean the whole world to a teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m a mycophile so I would spend the money on building a grow room to start growing my own medicinal mushrooms as well as mycelium and growing materials. I would also use some money to educate my students and others about fungi and how they can heal the world and humans. Having the money can help me share my love and knowledge with others.