Summer Montgomery

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to make an impact on students. Starting at three years old, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. Ten years later, and my why hasn’t changed… to make a positive change in students lives and make them feel like they can accomplish anything. My goal as a teacher is to help students grow not just academically, but socially as well and to leave my classroom feeling like they always a safe and welcoming place to come back to.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was 5 years ago when my son just 15 months at the time experienced second degree burns at home. I got a call and rushed to the hospital. When I left, all of my students started praying for my son together, without prompting from an adult. They then asked if they could make cards for him, and put together a basket for him. They have no idea, 5 years later that it is moments like that they make you realize the impact that students have on you.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would pay off some of my student loan debt, update things in my classroom, and set money aside for my three children and their education.