Jana Drake

Tell us why you became a teacher

Summers off, just kidding! I wanted my knowledge to help kids see the world in a new way. I have always loved learning new things and wanted to be able to pass that along to others. I was working with a friends daughter and son on a project for school, when they (the kids) asked me why I wasn't a teacher. They encouraged me to think about how I could help make a positive experience with others, and I took that encouragement and ran with it!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many, but one of my most memorable was my first year teaching. I taught Kindergarten, and a parent had donated owl pellet's. For a month we learned about nocturnal animals, especially owls! We read, did art projects, along with each of my students having the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet! Our month long study culminated in a fieldtrip to our local animal sanctuary the California Animal Living Museum. Not only did the kids have a blast and learn a lot, but so did I.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I now work at a school on the central coast of CA, and would love to be able to put some of that money into fieldtrips! The school, although part of larger district, is in an economically depressed area, and funding for fieldtrips is needed. I would also love to be able to buy real science and art supplies for my class. I do the best that I can, but as a classroom teacher there are a lot of supplies that are needed.