Jena Kemmer

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference. I was positively affected by two of my elementary teachers and I knew I wanted to do that for my own students someday. I wanted to create engaging lessons so my students would want to come to school, and I had a strong desire to push children to be their best, just like I was. I always loved being around children and simply just wanted to have an impact on their lives.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Three years ago, I had a 2nd grader who had little confidence in herself. It broke my heart to know everyone in her life saw how capable she was, except her. So I poured myself into her, determined that she see herself the way the rest of us did. There were still lots of tears and pep talks, but by the spring, there were more smiles and celebrations. I cried when she was one of the 5 students in my second grade class to pass a state assessment meant for third graders, and her smile said it all.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would travel with my family and experience life in different places around the world. I have a daughter who will be married in August and another is a freshman in college. I want to show them more of the world before they both go off and start their own lives. Whatever money is left after the trip, I would give to my oldest for her wedding and my youngest to put away for after college.