Teri Streetman

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe curiosity can change a student’s future. Every child deserves someone who encourages their questions, believes in their abilities, and helps them see possibilities they may not yet see for themselves. As a science teacher, I have the privilege of watching curiosity spark every day. Students naturally want to understand the world around them—why earthquakes happen, how volcanoes form, and how our planet is constantly changing. My goal is to create a classroom

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher involved a student who began the year convinced that science was simply “too hard.” They rarely spoke in class and often doubted their ability to understand the material. Throughout the year, I encouraged their questions and celebrated small successes along the way. Slowly, their confidence began to grow. She began to excel on her assessments making A’s. In that moment, I saw a student who once doubted themselves stand tall with confidence.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received the $25,000 award, I would use it to create more hands-on science experiences for my students. The funding would support lab materials, classroom technology, and interactive resources that bring Earth science to life. These opportunities allow students to explore, ask questions, and discover how our world works while building confidence in their ability to learn and grow.