Mary Dailey

Tell us why you became a teacher

I noticed that I am able to make connections between the natural world and the standards that we teach in the classroom, in ways that make science come alive for students. It also gives me energy to see the the different ways they take projects based on their own preferences and backgrounds.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I teach in Seaside, California. 86% of students at my school are on free or reduced lunch. As I planned a field trip to go tide pooling, I learned that most of my students had never been to the beach before, even though you can see it from the school parking lot. The impacts of poverty are wide-ranging, and greatly impact students' exposure to science. Getting to share their experience of being at the beach for the first time, and being able to incorporate science were both very meaningful.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use this to dive deep on science, professional development and materials for my classroom. This would enable me to open so many new doors for my students and share the inspiration that science has given me.