Maisie Higgins

Tell us why you became a teacher

The love I have for being a teacher stems from within my heart. I truly find so much peace in being a safe space for my kids. I love nurturing them, being a part of their story and seeing them learn how to be their own person. I love when they learn something new and light up, I love when they come back from the weekend and tell me something new they got to try. I love when they get to make a craft and address it to me. It is something undescribably special.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was my very first year of teaching. It was Kindergarten graduation, we had a big parade for our kinder graduation. Each of my kinders were making their way in their car through the parade. Each one dressed in their Kelly green cap and gown. I vividly remember pulling my kids from their cars individually, as their moms and dads handed them off to me. Tears were welling up in my eyes thinkin this was the last day they were mine and I was so proud of them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000 I would donate a chunk of it to my school for giving me the space to blossom into the teacher I have become. Then I would use the rest to buy a house to get ready to start my own family.