I became a teacher because some kids just need ONE person to believe in them. School may be the only safe place they have. If I can be the adult who listens, encourages, and reminds them they matter…then every long, tiring, overstimulating day is worth it in my book!

It’s hard to choose just ONE, but I once taught a student who had lost her dad and was navigating a difficult home life. She was brilliant but struggled with the path she was on. I never stopped reminding her how capable she was and to keep GOING. Years later,she graduated #2 in her class and earned a scholarship to Vanderbilt University. Seeing her believe in herself changed me as a teacher. Which is why I believe that behind every confident student is someone who refused to give up on them.

I would invest it right back into my students and school. I love creating hands-on learning experiences, especially in science and nature. Making school fun and memorable has been my goal from the beginning. Part of the prize would help expand outdoor learning spaces and classroom resources so students can explore, investigate, and learn by doing…experiences many of them may not otherwise have.