I dreamed of being a zoologist…so I became a 4th grade teacher with reptiles instead. My room has no overhead lights, plenty of Diet Coke, and students who call me the “meanest, worsetest teacher” (with love). I teach for the breakthrough moments, when a student advocates for themselves and sees what they’re capable of. That never gets old and keeps me going each and every day!

I had a student who struggled reading out loud. They had a minor stutter and felt very self conscious about it. We had been working together on tools to help these emotions but they were still really struggling. One day I found them reading a book to our Bearded Dragon Norbert with no issue. After talking, we agreed on a plan. I moved their seat next to Norbert and when they needed to read, they could read to Norbert. I slowly moved their seat farther away as their skills developed.

I would use $25,000 to build a model classroom that supports neurodivergent learners through nature, movement, and flexible design. More sensory tools, immersive materials, and real-world experiences. And yes, I’d use some to relieve the financial burden teachers often carry out of pocket. When you invest in a teacher, you multiply the impact for hundreds of students.