Teagan Cassell

Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn't know I wanted to be a teacher at first. I knew I liked being a leader, especially through my role as a Tae Kwon Do black belt instructor in high school. As I entered college, I said "hey, I love English and leading...let's try teaching!" Turned out my true love was working with kids. I taught for almost 4 years at an after school program as I completed my teaching coursework, learning that I could walk into a job that I loved every day, nothing like the droning on of other jobs!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Working at the after school program taught me I could do anything! I loved the kids, even when it was hard. I loved them so much that they were even a part of my engagement! The most memorable is leaving them after graduating college; I knew I had made a difference in their lives. Forever Ms.T to them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put towards my husband and I getting a house! We hope to move closer to the school I work at, as well as his workplace. I also would--of course--use it to make my classroom even more awesome than it is now.