Jonathan Shames

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the passion of the head of the education department, Gail McClay. I had planned to take a few education courses to round out my electives, but she changed my view of teaching. It has been 39 years since I first began, and while I had to leave for 14 years to make more money while my kids were growing up, and later for 12 more years while I served as a small business owner of an educational intervention service, I went back to teaching, and am now back to stay.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experiences happen every year, when I see the progress my students make. Sometimes it’s kids who may seem to have little chance of success or are otherwise struggling, sometimes it’s good students who work hard to become great students, and sometimes it’s just simply any progress they might make. It’s success in many different forms, but the pride of accomplishment they feel, and the joy I feel, make it all worth it.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m not exactly sure, but it would go to my school/students. I teach in a small private inner-city Christian school, and for many of my students, having enough food to eat can sometimes be a problem. I would consult with others to find where areas of need are greatest, and apply the money accordingly. It would be something like items of need for students/families, and some kind of technology purchase for the school.