Vanessa Harkless

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to equip my students with the critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and practical knowledge they need to navigate their own lives and futures successfully. Additionally, I aim to establish a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collaboration is key to achieving collective understanding. Finally, to ignite a spark in students—to show them that the world is vast and full of questions worth exploring.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience centered on a student in our robotics unit who was struggling with the final assembly. For weeks, every attempt seemed to fail, leaving the student visibly disheartened and ready to give up. Instead of simply providing the answer or building it for him, I encouraged him to step back to review the fundamentals. It was a lesson learned through struggle, proving that resilience is the most important skill. His "aha" moment was worth it all.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would purchase 2-3 high-quality 3D printers, filament, and maintenance supplies to allow students to design, prototype, and iterate on engineering projects. I would also purchase Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to facilitate immersive lessons, such as virtual field trips. Inaddition, outfit a dedicated "Makerspace" with tools and craft supplies for creative problem-solving. Finally, cove the cost of transportation, entry fees, and substitutes for visits to research labs, science4 museums, etc