Wendy Houser

Tell us why you became a teacher

Being a teacher is all that I've ever wanted to do since I was a little girl, I never really thought of any other job. When I was younger I wanted to be a high school math teacher. After getting involved in band I found that my calling was in Music.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experiences have been in my students' programs. Listening to them singing beautifully to their families and seeing those families overcome with joy and love for their children. I teach in a community where performing arts is considered a sin, so to see these families be touched by music means a lot.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My district has failed it's operating budget levy for the third time this Spring. I will probably only have about $200 in my budget for next year to support almost 800 students. This money would allow me to buy or repair instruments to finish class sets that I have. This would also allow me to purchase technology to help run my musicals. I also hope to use some to bring in a performance group for an assembly, to further share the joy of music with my school.