Thebe Lay

I love teaching because I inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help students discover their potential every single day.

Currently 14

in their Group

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for the TOP 20 ends Thursday the 26th of March at 7PM PDT
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The winning teacher's inspiring story will appear in Reader's Digest, celebrating their remarkable influence on education.

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Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe education changes lives — not just academically, but spiritually, emotionally, and personally. Teaching is more than a profession to me; it is a calling.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was helping a struggling student who believed they “weren’t smart.” We worked through one math problem step by step until it finally clicked. The look of confidence on their face when they solved it on their own was unforgettable. Later, they volunteered to explain a problem to the class. That moment reminded me that teaching is about building belief, not just skills.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The first thing I would do i donate to my church. Then I would take my family on a vacation..

Planetary Society Planetary Society

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