Anna Cook

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my love of English literature and writing, but more importantly to help students with trauma and give them the support that they need to thrive and succeed (I am also back in college to get my Masters in Education for School Counseling and then going back to get a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Trauma Counseling Emphasis to be able to make a bigger impact in the lives of my students

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is starting out my career in a title I school and not knowing if I would be accepted. I ended up building strong relationships with most of my students and learning about their hardships and struggles that they have gone through and being able to support them during difficult times and encourage them with their academics and abilities to achieve their dreams.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the 25,000 I would honestly get a better house for my child and myself (using some as a downpayment) pay off a little debt, put a little to my daughters savings for college, and donate the rest to the community that I work in that is high poverty and trying to create a more supportive environment for students to be able to work through their trauma, have support, and have people they can trust during crisis. It’s important to solve the root problems to be able to improve academics.