Jayde Dixon

Tell us why you became a teacher

became a teacher because learning has always been part of who I am. I loved school, graduated as valedictorian, and spent much of my time tutoring others because teaching came naturally to me. I discovered I didn’t just enjoy learning—I loved helping others understand and believe in themselves. Education wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One day a student who struggled with math stayed after school in tears, convinced they were “just bad at it.” We worked through one problem at a time until it finally clicked. The next morning, they ran into class smiling and said, “I did it by myself.” That moment reminded me that teaching isn’t just about answers—it’s about helping students believe they can succeed.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a single mom and a teacher, I would start by giving my daughter a small, meaningful trip—something we don’t usually get to do on a teacher’s salary. I’d set aside money for her college, because her future matters more than anything. Whatever remains would go to keeping our home steady and our bills paid. For me, it’s about creating memories, security, and opportunity—all at once.