Lisa Mauldin

Tell us why you became a teacher

became a teacher for two- and three-year-olds because I believe the earliest years leave the deepest imprint. At this age, children are learning more than colors and shapes — they are learning whether the world is safe, whether their voice matters, and whether they are loved.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I will never forget one little one who came into my classroom barely speaking and unsure of everything around him. He cried most mornings and clung tightly at drop-off. Weeks later, after consistent love, encouragement, and reassurance, he walked in one morning, let go of his parent’s hand, and said, ‘I can do it.’ That moment wasn’t just about independence — it was about confidence. It was about trust. It was about growth.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would pour it back into the little lives entrusted to me. I would create a classroom filled with hands-on learning, comfort for big emotions, and spaces where every child feels safe and capable. I would also invest in my own growth, knowing that when I grow, my students grow with me.”