Jordin Peurrung

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to provide students with the same kind of support, care, and contagious joy I had from my own teachers. I never thought I would be able to go to college, even though I loved learning. I had a teacher in high school that spent hours with me making sure I could apply for scholarships and coaching me through the steps. I felt inspired to do my part in making education more equitable and accessible. The human capacity to learn and adapt is our greatest strength.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I started student teaching online during covid and back then I was told that students were dead silent with cameras off all the time and to not get upset if that’s the case. I was nervous, but then when it was my turn to take over the lesson, I gave them a speech about how excited I was to be able to teach them. One by one they turned their cameras on, and I ended up with almost the entire class unmuting and participating. They ended up being one of my favorite classes I’ve had to date.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in new supplies for my classroom, educational field trips for my scholars, and reinvestment in my own professional development to continue growing my repertoire of tools and skills as a modern educator.