Shaquiel Richardson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the teachers I had growing up. My teachers always believed in me and supported me and I do the same for my students. I always enjoy witnessing how my students grow into learners who are not only confident but also fearless risk takers. My students know it’s okay to fail and they know that when they do I’m right by their side to help them up and try again.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are many but I would say my most memorable was my first year teaching. I had a student who came to me as a fifth grader but was reading at a kindergarten level. As the year prolonged I watched this student transform. Not only did their confidence shoot through the roof but by the end of their fifth grade year they were reading at a fourth grade level. All this student needed was someone to believe in him and not let him fall through the cracks.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it all into my children’s non profit launch to help not only inner city children but all children because every child deserves a fighting chance to become anything that they want to be.