Nathalie Kushman

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Education has the power to open doors, build confidence, and help young people discover their strengths. I enjoy creating a supportive environment where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to learn. Watching students grow academically and personally is incredibly rewarding.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences teaching was when a student who had been struggling with reading finally had a breakthrough. He often felt frustrated during reading time and lacked confidence in his abilities. We worked consistently on phonics, practiced blending sounds, and celebrated small successes along the way. One day while reading together, he slowly sounded out a word, then another, and suddenly the sentence came together. His face lit up and he said, “I just read that!”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it directly back into my students and school community. A portion of the money would go toward creating more engaging classroom experiences—updating my classroom library with high-interest books, purchasing flexible seating, and adding hands-on learning materials that help my students stay motivated and excited about learning. I would also use part of the funds to support students who may not have access to certain opportunities, such as covering field trip costs.