Pennie Himel

This is my 27th year of teaching. I do not have kids of my own. My students are my babies. I love making learning fun!

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

Voting for the TOP 5 ends Thursday the 16th of April at 7PM PDT
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Tell us why you became a teacher

As a child I always wanted to be a nurse, bug catcher, or teacher! Teaching was the best choice. I love kids and having fun! It is not an easy job, but it is the MOST rewarding! I love making a difference! It is a joy to watch my students learn and grow!! I motivate them to be the best version of themselves! We work hard and play hard too! I love being able to do all the things I did as a child with my students! Dressing up in costumes is my favorite!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I can't name one specific thing that would be most memorable. Every school year is filled with great memories! Each year I love teaching about Louisiana. My students are treated to gumbo, jambalaya, and king cake. My absolute favorite day is the 100th day of school when my hundred-year-old "Aunt Himel" comes to teach for the day!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Field trips! When we take field trips, we can't go far because we go on school buses. I would love to charter a bus and take my students somewhere nice like the zoo or aquarium. My students would be excited to just cross the Mississippi River! I would also buy supplies to enhance my lessons and treats to reward and motivate my students.

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