Sophia Klockow

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe learning changes lives. I believe sharing that love of learning with children is powerful. I’m inspired by their curiosity, their questions, and the way their confidence grows when something finally clicks. Being part of the process that helps shape not only their minds but their belief in themselves is an incredible privilege. Watching students reach goals they once thought were impossible is why I do this work every day.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was watching one of my lowest readers finally be able to independently read a full sentence. After endless practice with phonics, phonemic awareness, blending, segmenting, and mapping, this multilingual learner was still mixing up letters and sounds until something clicked. I am so proud of their growth!

What would you do with the $25,000?

This is a lot of money! I am in my second year of teaching and have already spent easily $2K on my classroom library, flexible seating, worksheets & slides on TPT, hands on visual manipulatives, snacks for hungry children, basic supplies etc. With these kind of funds, I would no longer have to worry about my school or parents being unable to provide what their students need to succeed, pay off my car loan, and even save for buying a house someday.