Lindsey Schroeder

I became a teacher because I wanted to be a part of students learning experience, introducing new knowledge and watching them flourish. The one to encourage them and help them find their confidence that they need, to see just how smart they already are, and the potential that lies within them. The connections I make with my students, having them feel seen when they have felt like shadows or heard when they feel like their voices are falling on deaf ears.

The time I gave the Heimlich maneuver to my student on a field trip to a nature center comes to mind first. We had just finished learning about native animals to Florida and was enjoying lunch. My student came running up to me, not able to make a noise, pointing to her throat in a panic. I quickly realized she was choking so I screamed for help and started to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Teaching isn’t only about academics.

If I had $25,000 I would give the third graders at my school a memorable day. I would update my library with books that went along with the accelerated reader program at my school. I would take the remainder and put it towards a down payment for a home for my family and I.