Madeline Morris

At first, I became a teacher so that I could coach high school Speech. I wanted to foster a sense of belonging in teens who were a part of this important academic team, just like I had felt as a student. I was pulled in to coach by MY high school coach. He taught me everything I know: how to create a culture, a place where kids feel safe taking risks, how to give feedback that compliments & is constructive. I soon learned every classroom needs to be that space too. That's why I teach.

This is my ninth year teaching. I still find myself experiencing "imposter syndrome." I am constantly questioning my practice - Are kids getting what they need? Am I building relationships that build trust? This Winter, my administration asked me to poll my students on their sense of belonging and why they liked my physical classroom. A student wrote, "It's not the classroom. It's Morris, for me." I truly felt like I'd made it, and realized, they are getting what they need when in my class.

As a teacher, we are always putting our students first. But with $25,000 I would finally make a dent in paying off the student loan I took out to chase the career as an educator I knew I was made for. Being able to build a more financially stable household for my daughter and husband would truly be a dream.