Lorenzo Warfel

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to prove standardized testing isn’t the only method to prove a student’s aptitude. As a student who was failed by standardized testing, my goal as a teacher is to unlock the imaginative pathways and unknown abilities of each of my students. As an middle school teacher I love the energy and excitement a classroom possesses, I believe teaching is a micro-universe of learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I will always remember they day one of my students told me they wanted to become a teacher. I asked them “why?” They responded, “because teachers care and I want to show others that learning is fun”. That short but memorable response reminded me that learning isn’t a square box of textbooks, it’s finding ways to learn that will make a meaningful impact.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d love to provide my students with a class set of digital learning materials (Chromebooks, tablets, whatever is possible). Many of my students have the inability to work from home so they need more access to tech at school. I have several student leaders in STEM and software engineering , providing them with new tools would help inspire them.