Rachel Sunderman
I love teaching because I hope students overcome behavior challenges that build confidence and gain skills to succeed in school and In life.
I love teaching because I hope students overcome behavior challenges that build confidence and gain skills to succeed in school and In life.
Thank you for supporting Rachel Sunderman in this year's competition. Your donations and participation will benefit The Planetary Society in their mission to advance space exploration, inspire discovery, and empower the next generation of innovators.
When I was in school I was constantly getting in trouble for impulses. It wasn’t until I was 16 I got diagnosed with adhd. All those years I struggled and never received the help I need to be successful. Now I am a behavioral specialist teacher to be that person for students because I never had that. I realized students learn more when they can regulate themselves and learn real world skills.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experienceMy most memorable teaching experience was my first year. I had a student that I saw a lot of my younger self in. They were extremely bright but also struggled with impulse regulation. Due to this they were not allowed into gifted and talented because of their interference of behaviors. I advocated and worked with them for the entire year. At Christmas they ran to my room to leave me a gift and all they said was “because you believe in me and care for me more than any other teacher I’ve met.”
What would you do with the $25,000?I would pay off my student loans. I want to continue working in education to help education be what it should be. It’s hard to do that when your face with financial adversity everyday and when burn out increases.
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.
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