Kristee Desposito

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I genuinely love helping people. I’ve always been a bit of a “fixer.” I like solving problems, encouraging others, and figuring out how to make things better. Teaching lets me do that every single day. Whether it’s helping a student understand something hard or just helping them believe in themselves, I love knowing I can make a difference in their life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was last year during my first year teaching. Our school does a big kickball tournament for 4th and 5th grade, and my class was definitely the underdog. But they worked so hard together. They encouraged each other, didn’t give up, and played as a team. We won the 4th grade championship and then only lost to 5th grade by one run. I was so proud of them. It wasn’t even about winning. It was about the teamwork and perseverance they showed.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I’d take a well-deserved vacation with my family. Spending time together is so important to me, and I’d love to make some special memories with them. I would also invest in my classroom. I want it to feel like a home away from home. When students walk in, I want them to feel safe, comfortable, and excited to be there. Being able to create that kind of space for them would be really important to me.