Jennifer Martinez

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I like interacting with kids. Their is something magical about being in a classroom with students who are just excited to learn and grow as you are about teaching it. I think my inner child is able to come out and "play" when I teach. It does not feel like work. We get to celebrate holidays, sing, dance and be silly. All the while, learning how to read, count, and the world around us. In truth, I became a teacher because I felt it was the one thing I was good at.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The most memorable teaching experiences is watching one of my students succeed or say " I can do it, watch me". That is when I feel like I am actually making a difference. I taught for several years at a school and was transitioning to public education. I let my students know. A former student made a card and had others sign in. She presented it to me on the last day of school. It was filled with past students messages. My heart was overflowing with gratitude to have taught them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take a small Disney trip (not more than 5,000) with my family. Then I would reinvested it in either, classroom supplies, PD training, or help drive me into getting my masters degree. When I switched from private school teaching to public, I did not realize how much came from the teacher. I always knew teachers invested more than their time but I didn't understand the magnitude.