Ian Gregory

Tell us why you became a teacher

Education runs in my family, and their example inspired me to serve others. I began my career in science, but one day subbing in an elementary classroom changed everything. I saw the joy, connection, and impact teaching can have on a child’s life, and I knew this was where I was meant to be. In my small rural community, where many students face poverty, I teach to help kids believe in themselves, discover their potential, and see a future bigger than their circumstances.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During my first year teaching, I had a student who struggled with behavior and a difficult home life. We clashed often, and I sometimes felt like I was failing him. Still, I never gave up and kept reminding others that he had potential. On the last day of school, he gave me a note thanking me for believing in him. That moment changed me. It reminded me that even when progress is hard to see, hope and persistence matter, and every child deserves a teacher who never stops believing in them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning $25,000 would be life-changing. I would pay down student loans, invest in my four-year-old daughter’s future, and create financial stability for my family. I would also use some of it to travel and experience new places so I can bring fresh perspectives back to my students. Living and teaching in a small rural community has taught me how important opportunity and experiences are, and I want to continue bringing those ideas and inspiration into my classroom.