Kayla Delaughter

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became an early childhood educator because I truly believe the earliest years of a child’s life are the most important. During those years, children are learning how to communicate, build relationships, explore the world around them, and develop confidence in who they are. Being part of that foundation is incredibly meaningful to me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was watching a child grow from being shy and unsure of themselves into a confident, happy learner. When they first came into the classroom, they struggled with separating from their family and often didn’t want to participate in activities with the other children. It took patience, consistency, and a lot of encouragement to help them feel safe and comfortable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were given $25,000, I would use it to invest in both my future and the community I care about. A portion of the money would go toward furthering my education and professional development in early childhood education so that I can continue to grow as an educator and provide the best possible learning experiences for the children in my care.