Carla Pugh

Tell us why you became a teacher

As a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher. As a teenager I thought I wanted to work in corporate America and live in a high rise. Although I continued my path into business, life’s tracks lead to being what I was supposed to be; a teacher. I didn’t find the fulfillment and excitement in other jobs as I did in teaching. I’ve taught many ages, and have enjoyed every one. It brings me so much joy when I see others learn something new that excites them or makes them proud! So much to learn!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was teaching a group of amazing homeschoolers Spanish. We had so much fun learning not only the language but the culture, too. We would have fiestas, eat good food and learn a little salsa dancing. It was the coolest thing to see them communicate in another language when just a few months prior they couldn’t speak a word. I also got a kick out of parents tell me how they spoke at home, although no one understood them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

After paying off debt, I would hope to be able to build my dream barndominium on a couple of acres of land in rural central Florida. I teach in the “horse capital of the world” and I would love to own a little piece of it.