Noelle Richardson

I love teaching because it is my passion to educate children and to help any person that I meet to my fullest ability.

Quarter-Finalist

Currently 9

in the Quarter-Finals

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 7th of May at 7PM PDT
Reader's Digest magazine covers

The winning teacher's inspiring story will appear in Reader's Digest, celebrating their remarkable influence on education.

Learn More
Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my passion in life has always been to help others. I always have enjoyed working with children even at a young age and knew teaching would be a lifelong career for me someday. Having teachers who inspired me and treated me with kindness and respect are the reason why I am a teacher today. Without them, I would not be who I am today and the teacher that I am.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first year of teaching for the district that I am at required me to go on an hour long boat ride to and from school daily to teach students who live on an island 26 miles off the coast of California. Rain or shine, I would show up to teach and support my students in anyway possible. The relationships that I built with these students have impacted my personal and professional life so much. We are still in contact today and celebrate all moments they accomplish together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my current students and the other second grade class to Disneyland for the day to go on an educational fieldtrip. The fieldtrips at Disneyland not only offer fun experiences for the day but also educational experiences involving science, art, math, and engineering. Many students at my school have not been to a theme park before and would love the opportunity to experience it. The remaining money left over would go towards our school and be used to purchase items that students need.

Planetary Society Planetary Society

Help Noelle Richardson become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Powered By Colossal

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America's Favorite Teacher, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.

Learn More