Sabrina Ketter

Tell us why you became a teacher

While teaching a preschool church class, my high school biology teacher happened to see me with the kids. She told me that I would make a great teacher. I didn’t tell her that I had secretly been thinking about getting my degree because I just didn’t know if I had what it would take to be a good teacher. Her encouragement meant a lot to me and sent me straight to register for college courses with a degree in education as my goal.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching kindergarten and was told that I would be moved to middle school. I cried right on the spot. I’m not sure what scared me more, teaching middle schoolers or teaching science! My principal assured me that a good teacher can teach anything. I was so nervous, but I jumped in and fell in love with teaching science. I can remember calling my husband at lunch on my first day and just gushing about how great it was. The students were so engaged and so excited by my demonstrations.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I am fortunate enough to win $25,000, I would spend it on both personal and professional expenditures. I would take my family on a vacation. Going back to school later in life to become a teacher, they were such a support for me that I would love to show my appreciation with a trip. I would also use some of the money for a Master’s degree. This is something I’ve wanted for sometime, but never had the means to do so. It would be an honor to receive this award.