María José Raya

I been teaching for 22 years and I love my job. Being able to see the growth on my students wonderful!

Currently 16

in their Group

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for the TOP 20 ends Thursday the 26th of March at 7PM PDT
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Tell us why you became a teacher

As I was going to collage to study advertising, I got a job as a teacher assistant in a Pre-K center. I felt in love with everything that happened there. The teachers the students. It was the just a magical place. I decided to change my major and ever since then I love being a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Every year there is something special but I think having our very own kinder spelling bee in the class and see how all of them works so hard is amazing. I think having the students who doesn’t believe in himself win is definitely one of my favorites.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would definitely buy a technology center with IPads and headphones. I would buy real scientific coats for them. If possible I would take them on a field trip to the Nube a children’s museum. We have to fundraiser and busses are very expensive. And if there were extra money left I would use to make the classroom better.

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