Jeanettra watkins

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I understand firsthand how transformative a caring educator can be. Growing up in poverty with both parents struggling with addiction, life was often overwhelming and uncertain. School could have been just another place of stress, but one teacher saw me, believed in me, and nurtured my love for science. Learning in her classroom gave me a brief escape from the worries at home and eased my anxiety and pain.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences involved a student who faced incredible obstacles just to be in my classroom. Each day, he had to navigate through gang territory to get to school. A journey that could have easily kept him away from learning. Despite these challenges, he came with determination and a hunger to succeed. Witnessing his “aha” moments in science, seeing concepts click offered him a brief reprieve from the pressures outside school was unforgettable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded the $25,000, I would use it to further my commitment to supporting students and advancing my own learning. Every year I dedicate a portion of my tutoring income to scholarships for minority students pursuing STEM, with a focus on females. With this funding, I would increase the number and amount of these scholarships, directly helping more students access opportunities in science. Additionally, I would take mortuary science classes to deepen my understanding of the human body.