Molly Donahue

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher for behavior-disordered and at-risk youth because too many kids are written off before anyone truly sees them. What I learned is they aren’t broken—they’re often carrying trauma, instability, and systems that failed them. But they also have incredible resilience and potential. Those students shaped who I am and why I fight so hard for strong public schools and for every child to have someone who refuses to give up on them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Some of my most memorable days as an educator were when students others had written off had that “aha” moment. Teaching behavior-disordered and at-risk youth, I watched students who carried trauma and doubt suddenly realize they could succeed—solving a problem, finishing a book, believing in themselves. In those moments, you could see their confidence grow. Watching a student begin to believe in their own potential is a moment an educator never forgets.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded $25,000 for being a great teacher, I’d invest it back into the students who shaped my career—especially behavior-disordered and at-risk youth. I’d support mental health resources, classroom tools that help students regulate and focus, and opportunities that build confidence and life skills. Every child deserves the chance to have that “aha” moment and believe in their own potential.