Lori Anderson

Tell us why you became a teacher

My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Penland mentioned that I'd make a great teacher, and the idea stuck!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Only one? I have so many. Perhaps one of the most memorable is the student who was in a fight his sophomore year, and I broke up the fight. He returned his senior year and was in my class, and he wrote an essay thanking me for helping get him on the right path. I had another former student stop by my room one time (from probably 20 years before) and introduce me to her son, an incoming freshman. She remembered a lesson I'd taught her. My students make this worthwhile.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly I'd use it to help my own children with their education expenses, and I might even use it to continue my own education. I've been debating pursuing a more advanced degree--possibly administration--to make more of a difference. I'd also like to continue traveling and learning more about other parts of the world, so I can bring those ideas to my students.