Renée Loftus

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because after my dad died at the age of 3, it was my teachers who made me love school. They loved on me when I felt lonely or sad without a dad. They believed in me. They made sure to let me know I could do anything I set my mind to… When times were the darkest, it was my teachers who brought me to life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was my first year teaching. It was 1999 and my student lost his dad from an accident. But because I lost my dad when I was small, I knew why I was meant to be his teacher. I was then at that very moment able to pay it forward. You see in teaching, yes it’s about academics. But guess what? Reading & math can’t come easy if you are that sad because of a tragic loss. But if someone who loves you & believes in you… anything is possible.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would help my mom who doesn’t have much after the death of my dad. She needs dentures and a few surgeries. I would then of course help my current & former students. I have a few students who I help pay for their dance lessons or sports. I get help from the community, but I would pay for it all. I would last donate some to students’ tuition since I teach at a Catholic school.