Ronit Kumar

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to give students what every kid deserves: an adult who believes in them before they believe in themselves. Science and engineering taught me that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re data. In the classroom and in robotics, I get to turn “wrong” into “try again,” and help students build skills they can carry anywhere: resilience, curiosity, teamwork, and pride in their own growth.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment was watching a student who insisted they “weren’t a STEM person” lead our team’s final build. They broke a mechanism, regrouped, iterated, and then calmly coached others through the fix. When the robot worked, they didn’t just cheer, they smiled and said, “I made that happen.” That shift from doubt to ownership is why I teach.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d use the $25,000 to expand hands-on learning and equity. First: durable tools that last (kits, batteries, soldering/safety equipment, sensors, classroom-ready robotics parts). Second: a “no barriers” fund for field trips, competition fees, and transportation so every student can participate. Third: teacher-facing resources, project templates and training, so more classrooms can run high-quality, inquiry-based STEM experiences.