Zaria Moser-Robinson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I needed a “big girl job”, something stable, something real, something grown. But along the way, it turned into so much more than a career choice. The bonds I’ve built with my students, the trust, the laughter, the growth, and the love make it all worth it in ways I never expected. What started as a job became a purpose, and what I thought I needed for survival became what I needed for my soul.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is helping a student through a tough situation & being someone they could lean on when things felt heavy and uncertain. In that moment, I realized that teaching isn’t just about lessons and curriculum, but about presence, patience, and showing up when it matters most. Knowing I could make even a small difference in their life reminded me why I chose this path in the first place, and why the impact of a teacher goes far beyond the classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would put a down payment on a house for me and my mom which will be creating stability, security, and a place we can truly call home. I’d also buy my first car, giving me independence, reliability, and the freedom to move through life on my own terms. It wouldn’t just be about purchases; it would be about building a foundation, creating opportunity, and changing our future in real, meaningful ways.