Alissa Kanka

I became a teacher because I wanted to make school a more positive experience for students. My own time in middle and high school was difficult, and I know how much a supportive, engaging teacher can change a student's perspective. I strive to help students enjoy these four impactful years, fostering curiosity and confidence while making science exciting and accessible for everyone.

In my 2nd year, I helped a struggling senior who was failing multiple classes and behind on credits. He was brilliant but struggled in traditional schooling, his anxiety about the future led him to contemplate taking his own life. He confided in me, and I connected him with the mental health support he needed. Together, we worked to recover his credits, and he not only graduated but also enrolled in community college. He continues to strive for progress over perfection and still keeps in touch.

Establish a community garden on my school’s campus, a project I have been developing through my master’s program with Miami University. The garden would serve as both a hands-on learning space and an elective course for students, fostering environmental awareness, sustainability, and engagement as well as community outreach and education. The funds would cover raised beds, fencing, soil, seeds, irrigation, and pathways, creating a long-lasting resource that benefits students for years to come.