Kelly O’Neill

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I remember the impact a teacher has. Growing up I had both good and bad teachers, those bad teachers left lasting effects. Now I can be the good, the teacher who cares, the one who learns all their students likes and interests, incorporates their interests into the classroom. It’s magical seeing how much the students grow over the year as the support and encouragement is there.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was publishing a book with my third grade class. We created the story topic together and then on each page they got to tell their story. Working with each student creating the topic, the problems they face, and letting their creativity shine is something I’ll never take for granted. When we got the books back their faces lit up, they were all so proud of their work and shared it with everyone in their life, it is something I’ll remember forever.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to grow my classroom. As a young teacher there are so many resources I would love to have in my room but can’t afford it. Such as more flexible seating, fidgets, resources for my calm down corner, resources for writing and math. My dream is to have a classroom that meets every student where they are and grow from there but unfortunately I don’t have all the tools yet. This money would greatly help me getting to that level as an educator.