Samantha

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

As a child, the classroom was a place where I felt protected, seen and encouraged. I strive to offer that same sense of safety and belonging.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was reading a book to my students that I had written when I was in first grade. My book had included an ‘About the Author’ section in the back, where I had written decades ago that I wanted to be a teacher. Reading that passage to my own class was a powerful full-circle moment that reinforced why I chose teaching.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would first invest in furthering my own education, as I plan to return to school to deepen my knowledge and skills. Following that, I’d allocate the remainder investing in the long-term growth of my current and future students. I’d allocate a portion of the funds to create a sustainable, innovative classroom environment, enhancing project-based learning with state-of-the-art resources and materials. And use a portion to establish a scholarship fund for my hometown.