Rachel Umile

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I was inspired by my own teachers. They were the ones who showed me how rewarding it was just by being their student. To teach and inspire kids to find something about your subject that they love or walk out of the class thinking more about, I aim in accomplishing this every day. I aim to be the inspiration for my students as my teachers were for me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I think with this question, there is no MOST MEMORABLE teaching experience, because they are all memorable! My kids make every day of my job memorable. Multiple moments come to mind. I cannot just pick one. I smile back at the memories or how creative these kids can get with the assignments and projects that I give them. I’ve had kids held for ransom during the Silk Road simulation, I’ve had kids coming in dressed as Batman, and so much more. Never has my teaching experience not been memorable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would pay my family back for their help in my furthered education. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today and I want to thank them for all their help. I would also buy some resources I could use in the classroom. Virtual reality could be really fun in a social studies classroom. I would also like to finally take a vacation. I haven’t been able to take a vacation in years because I haven’t been able to afford it and to be able to take a vacation I deserve would be amazing!