Katie Wood

Tell us why you became a teacher

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl. I wanted to make a difference and shape the future. Teaching allows me to do that through guiding my first graders to the strong foundation needed to meet their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally and to become productive members of society. I want my students to remember me as the teacher that believed in them and encouraged their curiosity!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student who cried every day at school. She was an EL student, didn't speak English, and scared. I would hold her in my lap while I taught. Little by little she began to warm up to me and her classmates and one day, I got my first "Te quiero" (I love you). After this, I knew she would be ok. She knew that I was there to help her, and she began to talk and pick up on English words. By the end of the year, she was speaking in simple sentences. She truly blossomed!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000 dollars, I would buy some playground equipment appropriate for our special needs students. I would also purchase items to improve and update our sensory room for students when they get overstimulated and need a sensory break. This is especially helpful to students with autism.