Deanna Bruner

Tell us why you became a teacher

Since I was a little girl, my dream has always been to become a teacher. I loved the idea of teaching, but I also cherished the opportunity to serve and care for students who might not have someone in their corner. I had so many great teachers who left lasting impressions on me—they loved and cared for me beyond the classroom. I strive to have even a fraction of that kind of impact on my own students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One year, I had a student with a negative view of school and teachers, which affected her relationships and grades. Something about her touched my heart the first day I met her, and I was determined to build a relationship with her. Over time, her walls came down, and both her attitude and grades improved. I ended up having many great memories with this student. Three years later, she emailed me on my birthday to say she loved me, shared a funny memory, and told me I was her favorite teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would use part of it to pay off my student loans. Then, I would take my dad on his dream vacation to explore Alaska. He never takes trips for himself, and I would love to give him this special gift. He is also one of the people who inspired me to become a teacher, so it would be especially meaningful to share this experience with him.