Tonya Bailey
Teaching is in my DNA. Ever since I was about five years old, I had a red pin in my hand, and was educating my playmates!
Teaching is in my DNA. Ever since I was about five years old, I had a red pin in my hand, and was educating my playmates!
Thank you for supporting Tonya Bailey in this year's competition. Your donations and participation will benefit The Planetary Society in their mission to advance space exploration, inspire discovery, and empower the next generation of innovators.
My mother owned a pet shop and I was raised having compassion for things that were smaller than me and needed my help. Teaching naturally fell in with my beliefs and values.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experienceMy most memorable experience is not actually in the classroom, but when I went to the doctor and saw one of my former students as my ultrasound tech. I went to have my prescription filled, and one of my students was a pharmacist.I always told my students that they needed do well in school because one day they were going to take care of me as my doctor, real estate agent or lawyer, etc. It’s happening. It’s been 28 years of teaching and I’m so proud.
What would you do with the $25,000?I know this doesn’t sound exciting, but we don’t get paid a lot in teaching so I would pay off my debt and use a little to take a nice vacation.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America's Favorite Teacher, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
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