Rebecca Conley

Tell us why you became a teacher

As a student myself, I saw many kids that struggled and the teachers seemed to pick on them and a few were brought to tears. I vowed to become a teacher who would be more understanding and try to relate to these students and find something they could relate to and add it to my classroom. Whether it is sports, cars, sewing, etc. I wanted them to feel like they were seen and valued and that they can make a difference in this world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I taught 3rd grade science. We used empty two liter bottles and place vinegar in the bottom and attached a balloon filled with baking soda to the bottle with electric tape. The goal was to make the balloon expand. I told them, no ones would be wrong because it was their creation. One student used a lot more ingredients and when the baking powder hit the vinegar, we had a rocket lift off and it moved the tile of the ceiling. Plus a good laugh

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to provide for my students a science day where they could go to different stations and try experiments in a small group setting. Schools always have a field day, science day can be just as fun and they can learn more about this wonderful world we live in. And maybe even create rocket launches and make a tile that would simulate a rockets reentry to earth and see who doesn’t cook the egg.