Kylee Hamburger

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my grandma, Kucera. She was the most incredible teacher and an even more remarkable person. Through every challenge she faced, she showed up with patience, love, and unwavering dedication to both her students and her family. She inspired me to follow in her footsteps, and I strive every day to reflect the same compassion, strength, and commitment that she modeled so beautifully.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment as a teacher was during my first year, when I had a student who had just lost her mom to cancer. Despite everything she was going through, she was such a light in my classroom and in my life. After first grade she moved to a new school, but eight years later we ended up working at the same school again. She was asked to nominate a teacher who had made a lasting impact on her life, and she chose me, creating and presenting a video in my honor. It was so special.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would give back to the people who carried my family through the hardest year of our lives. This past year has required strength I didn’t know I had, but I did not walk it alone. My support system showed up in countless ways, and I would use this gift to thank them in meaningful, memorable ways.