Dane Dykeman

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was working in real estate at the time and had free days and thought it would be fun side job. My first day on the job, a teacher pulled me aside and said I was a natural, I told her I was just doing it for fun…as days, weeks and months went by, I found myself subbing more frequently and eventually realized I loved teaching more than real estate, so I went back to school to get my license so I could teach full time! I felt like I was serving a purpose to society and the future of our world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This would be getting to loop with my students from 3rd to 4th grade. Having the same class for two years created a huge sense of community not only for my classroom but the families I served. Trust was established, students felt safe and learning was felt natural. I was able to better serve their emotional needs as well, solving friendship problems, learning struggles, etc.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly, pay off my student loans. In a dream world, use it as a down payment for a home or travel for a month over summer with my parents as a thank you for their support this past year. I am currently in school to get my principal license and have been very frugal with my time and money this past year…it’s been a struggle working and studying full time, but I have set goals for myself as a reward for when I graduate in June.