Jennifer Nye

Tell us why you became a teacher

I knew I wanted to be a teacher from Kindergarten, but didn’t see my dream fulfilled until the age of 40. I tried several other jobs but never felt I was making a difference. Teaching touches children’s lives in profound and meaningful ways each and every day. Everyday I strive to be a positive influence in my students lives, helping them see their value and importance in our world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Each time a former student comes back and shares with me how I helped them to dream big touches me deeply. One of my students in my first year of teaching was an at risk kid who went on to study biology in college because of how much she loved my science class. That was huge for me and made me realize how much impact teachers have, sometimes without even realizing it.

What would you do with the $25,000?

This is a tough question. Honestly I think I would donate half to my local community as we rebuild from the August, 2023 fires and half into my grandchildren’s college accounts.