Rachel Devine

Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a teacher in 4th grade who showed me what it felt like for someone (not family) to truly believe in me. I knew then that I wanted to share that same belief in future students and to show them that there is always someone on their side. I now have moved my passion specifically to students who struggle with reading when I became a reading interventionist because it all starts with confidence in yourself first!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience just happened last year when I had a 3rd grade student who was new to our district coming in reading 8 words correct in a minute. By the end of 3rd grade they were reading around 80 words per minute. It started with confidence in themselves and then putting in the work in our time together. They now read around 130 worlds this year and their confidence continues to grow!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I come from a small poverty school so money is always tight. I would love to set some money aside for a fund for students to have quarterly rewards for all the hard work they are putting into their academics. We always have to depend on donations and parents helping out and I would love to help ease that cost. I also have two children, so putting some money aside for their college funds would be what I spend the rest on. Having this money to go back to children should always be the goal!