Salina Mayer

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I have a background in cooking and being a paraeducator. When I applied for a para position i was approached about teaching the foods classes along with the family consumer science program. To bring cooking back into the schools, and since ive started my new career path ive been nothing but blown away with how much the students have learned in the 3 years ive been teaching them. They are learning a life skill that everyone needs in order to survive.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was when I have 6 of my special education students in and we create dishes, desserts and fun creations every week. Because why? because everyone in life no matter their disability deserves the same learning experiences.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put 1,000 into my classroom to update all of our dated supplies, I would take 5,000 and pay off outstanding bills from being a single mother. I would take another 5,000 and put it into a savings account for my toddler so he could have some money when hes older, 4,000 on a trip with my son because we've never been anywhere, and the last 10,000 would be to pay off my car and any other needs around my home.