Joseph Interdonato

Tell us why you became a teacher

I want to make a difference in this world. I had a principal once tell me, that I could be the first interaction a student had with an adult daily so make it a positive one. I try to start everyday with a smile and to make a positive impact on students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I worked at a school that was 99 percent free and reduced lunch. I taught 5th grade and at the end of the year we would take the students camping overnight. Where I worked, it was many of the students first night away. The students got to eat meals, when many of they didn't have food at home. I snuck a TV into our camp site and we watched the NBA playoffs. Many of the students feel asleep around the TV watching the game. That night I became a legendary teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

25,000 is life changing money. As a teacher we don't get paid the best, so really what I would do is save the money so I wouldn't have to work three jobs so I would be able to spend time with my son. I would love to be able to spend more quality time with him.