Joanna Flores

Tell us why you became a teacher

I came from a family that was a little rough around the edges; gang affiliations, juvenile records, decisions they are not proud of. However I have seen how people can turn their life around for their children and family. I became successful with the encouragement of people who decided to change. I became a teacher to encourage the kids who don’t have that person in their life to make a change.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My 1st year teaching I was informed one of my 8th graders was shot & his 7th grade brother was with him. These two were always polite but at times struggled in school. My grade level team went to the hospital to visit him but when it was my turn to go up it broke me. He was apologizing saying he knew I was disappointed in him & worst of all how ashamed he was he put his brother in danger. This isn’t the happiest of memories but it was a moment I saw a kid decide to change, that made me proud.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Due to funding cuts a lot of the events and material we give our classrooms can come out of own pockets. (School supplies, hygiene supplies, backup dresses and dress shirts for 8th grade events) Realistically a lot of the money will go back into my classroom on the things the kids need but also allow for fun events for behavioral incentives, attendance incentives, and holiday parties. This way my own money can go towards finishing the payments on my student loans.