Richard Derek Herbert

Teaching is one of the best, hardest jobs out there. It’s one where you get to help every student in your class see their potential!

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Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Group Finalists ends Thursday the 23rd of April at 7PM PDT
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Tell us why you became a teacher

I started out as a computer technician at the school that I currently teach at. The engineering teacher position opened and the school started looking to fill the position. The principal noticed that the students really enjoyed their interactions with me and I would also lead several clubs, so they asked if I would be interested. I've always had a heart for encouraging students, especially those going through hardships. When the opportunity to become a teacher came up, I took it!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

As a high school teacher, my favorite moments in teaching always come out of hardships. I love seeing students rise above the struggles in their lives to achieve what they think is impossible. My favorite part of teaching engineering and computer science classes is seeing what the students come up with when we do projects. Every year it's different (this year it's 67). I always learn something new from my students!

What would you do with the $25,000?

First thing is I am going to take care of my family. We haven't gone on a vacation since before my 3 year old was born, we are way overdue to have a week to enjoy life somewhere. Beyond that, I've got a 100 year old house that needs some TLC and this would go a long way to helping us improve our humble abode!

Planetary Society Planetary Society

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Limited-time: 2X donation votes ends on Tue 4/21 at 9PM PDT


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