Miranda White

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because it’s meaningful work I’ve always known I was meant to do. Middle school is hard, and math can feel overwhelming. I’ve built my career around making math make sense for the average student—not just the naturally gifted—and creating a steady classroom where questions are normal, mistakes are useful, and confidence grows.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments wasn’t during a big lesson or test. I was walking around while students worked in pairs when I overheard a student say, “I used to hate math, but Ms. White makes it fun and easy to understand. It all makes sense now.” They weren’t talking to me — they were just being honest. In that quiet moment, I realized I was doing exactly what I set out to do: helping students move from fear to confidence.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would first pay off debt and create financial breathing room. That stability would allow me to invest more intentionally in my classroom and continue expanding hands-on STEM and robotics experiences for my students. I’d also set aside a small portion for LEGO sets. Building fuels my creativity and problem-solving, and that mindset directly shapes how I design engaging learning experiences for my students.