Sandra Staley

Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to make a positive difference in children’s lives. Education has the power to open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities. Being able to guide, encourage, and support students as they learn and grow is both meaningful and rewarding to me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A memorable teaching experience for me was helping a student who initially felt frustrated with learning. Through small group support, encouragement, and differentiated instruction, the student began to gain confidence and started participating more in class. Seeing that transformation—from frustration to confidence—was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the importance of meeting students where they are.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded the $25,000, I would use the funding to establish a hands-on science lab designed to bring education to the forefront through inquiry, exploration, and real-world learning. The lab would provide students with access to essential scientific tools such as microscopes, measurement instruments, STEM engineering kits, lab tables, safety equipment, and materials for structured experiments aligned with state science standards. This investment would allow students to move beyond traditional