Irene Feraro

Tell us why you became a teacher

Being a third-generation educator, I have witnessed what education can do. My grandfather was an educator during WWII. Thus, he has witnessed how education rebuilds lives after devastation. Both my parents were teachers in the Philippines during its martial law regime. It showed them that education gives people strength during times of uncertainty. I chose to be a SPED teacher because the students who struggle the most deserve a champion who will fight for them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I taught at a school serving students with extremely aggressive behaviors. I came home many times on crutches, bandaged, or black-and-blue. I was in therapy because of the mental and emotional strain. But the parents were often more desperate than I was—exhausted, scared, and in tears. They felt blamed and alone. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just helping the children; I was also helping families who were struggling to hold themselves together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I believe that graduation should not mark the end of support for students. If I win $25,000, I plan to start a nonprofit organization to train further graduates of special education programs in vocational and life skills. I want to create a place that would help them with employment and prepare them for independent living. Too many of these young adults leave school without direction or opportunity. They deserve continued guidance, real job experience, and a community that believes in their abil