Monica rojas

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I came to this country speaking only Spanish. My teachers back then did not even try to empathize or understand me. I was far ahead in math yet in high school I was kicked out of algebra because the teacher had no patience with a second language learner. I wanted to be that teacher that emphasized and understood students no matter where they came from, how they spoke or looked.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I was teaching third grade. That year a bright little boy came to my class from Mexico. I saw right away his drive and determination to learn. Years later I reconnected with the family. He was to graduate from high school! I was invited to his graduation and of course he graduated at the top of his class. He graduated with BA in business but being undocumented made it difficult to get a job. Many angels helped my bright student along the way.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Invest in science for the classroom. My students loved building a prototype of a catapult recently but it comes out of my pocket.