Takeshi high

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher after working as an operations manager and traveling, which showed me how much opportunity exists beyond what many students see every day. As a SPED teacher, I’m especially passionate about helping students who may struggle see their strengths and potential. I want my students to know that if they stay curious, work hard, and believe in themselves, there is a whole world of possibilities waiting for them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences is watching a student who was convinced they “just weren’t good at math” finally get it. You can literally see the moment their confidence shifts. As a SPED teacher, those breakthroughs mean everything to me. Helping students see their potential and realize they are capable of more than they believed is what makes teaching so rewarding.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received $25,000, I would use it directly to remove financial barriers for students in my community. I would cover fees for college applications, SAT/ACT testing, dual enrollment courses, and other academic opportunities that many students miss because of cost. I would also sponsor educational trips to colleges, career sites, and cultural experiences so students can see possibilities beyond their current environment and begin to imagine bigger futures for themselves.