Natalie

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because every student deserves a voice even if theirs doesn’t work. What I mean by that is, as a kid I never felt like I had a voice to speak up about what was going on to me in school and at home. As a teacher I inspire to be the advocate for students who don’t feel like they can speak up.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I took over for a chaotic maternity leave position and had to spin the class a 180 . I created a google form for the students to respond to during the 3rd marking period to better understand how students feel about my teaching, my classroom, and in whatever ways I can best support them. A student responded with “ I wouldn’t change anything, I feel like I belong here” and at that moment I knew I was doing something right.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 would be life changing as a teacher. It would be such an amazing opportunity to be able to put that money back into my classroom and the students. I would start with forming a science/social studies curriculum to best support myself and the students as our district doesn’t have a curriculum for the teachers. Then I would put the money into my classroom offering a snack/hygiene resources to students in the school who can’t afford their basic needs at home. This money would be for the kids