Maria

Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to become a teacher because I always liked helping others. I used to make my brothers and friends play school and pretended to be the teacher. I respected the teachers I had in school and wanted to be like them when I grew up! They had a lasting impact on my life and inspired me with their enthusiasm. My high school teachers encouraged me to continue my learning and embrace my passion to teach others. My parents encouraged me to follow my dreams and always supported me. I so grateful!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I enjoy teaching children everyday and have so many wonderful memories of interacting with students but I recently reconnected with a former student at this year’s Open House. He walked up to me, told me his name, and then introduced me to his wife as “the teacher who taught me how to read!” I was so thrilled and honored! Not only did he remember me teaching him in first grade, but he said I was the one who helped him learn to overcome his learning difficulties and boost his confidence for life!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win $25,000, I would find ways to help myself and others. First, I would want to alleviate my stress and take a vacation this summer. Next, I would invest some money for my future retirement. And of course, do what I always do, enhance my students’ lives and our classroom environment by upgrading our classroom resources, purchasing high-quality materials and supplies to provide new learning opportunities to build critical thinking, build background knowledge, and develop vocabulary.