Jancy

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe education changes lives — including my own. I’ve always been someone who notices when a child feels unseen or unsure, and I wanted to be the steady adult who says, You are capable. You are smart. You matter. Teaching allows me to turn empathy into action every single day. It gives me the privilege of witnessing growth, curiosity, and resilience up close.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of the most memorable moments of my teaching career wasn’t during a big event or award ceremony — it was a quiet, ordinary day when a student who had struggled all year finally believed in themselves. After months of doubt, frustration, and small steps forward, they completed something they once said they “just weren’t smart enough” to do. When they looked up at me, surprised and proud, I realized that the real work of teaching isn’t just academic — it’s helping children rewrite the stories

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded $25,000, I would invest it directly into creating more opportunities for my students to experience learning beyond the textbook. I would expand classroom resources with hands-on materials, culturally diverse books, and updated technology that ensures every child has access to tools that spark curiosity and creativity. I would also use a portion to support experiential learning — field trips, guest speakers, and real-world projects that connect our lessons to life outside