LaTonya Wright

Tell us why you became a teacher

My dad always told me to be a teacher! I always wanted to do something in the field of science but I never considered teaching it. He would always about how I would drag my chalkboard downstairs every Saturday morning to play school with my friends in the neighborhood. I was probably no more than 5 or 6 years old. I would set my chalkboard up in the garage and I would teach my friends whatever I learned that week at school. I have always enjoyed explaining how something works or the why.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The memorable teaching experience for me happens when students tackle their fear of failure! When a student makes their best effort to learn a new or difficult concept and feel safe enough in a classroom space to give it a try by stepping out of their comfort zone. I want my students to know they are limitless!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the prize money to improve the STEM maker space at my school with various consumable supplies for all the science teachers in the building to use in class for hands on learning experiences like project-based learning activities.