Michelle Yepiz

Tell us why you became a teacher

I had been searching for my path since the beginning of high school. I had been experimenting with various ideas and none seemed to fit. I needed a career I could feel passionate about. I was passionate about ballet, but not as a career. Then I had my “ah ha moment!” I could become a dance teacher, however I soon realized my desire to teach was broader. I had always loved school and I knew that if I had such a passion for teaching dance, that passion would only be increased in academics.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My greatest accomplishment is the musicals I put on with my students every year (2009-present). It is absolutely amazing to watch my students blossom into performers. This is my greatest accomplishment because of the far reaching impacts it has on my students’ lives. At first many of them are reluctant to participate, however by the end they are on the stage singing and dancing their hearts. I am helping my students build lifelong skills that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use $5,000 to buy better seating for my students. The hard plastic chairs are awful. It would be wonderful to have adjustable comfortable seating. I would donate $7,000 to my school site. I would use $10,000 towards by daughter's college education. My younger daughter wants to be a teacher! I would then use the remaining $3,000 to take myself on a trip to New England to gain a better understanding of Colonial America (Fifth grade curriculum).