Debbie

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I had amazing teachers, coaches and role models growing up in a small town. I can still remember my first grade teacher, she had a tent set up in a corner of her room. If you were the chosen student of the week, you were allowed to sit and read inside the tent that week. I remember feeling so special in that tent. Thinking back, it’s something so small, but for a 7 yr old, it was huge! So for me, my “why” is giving that special feeling back to my kids.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first day of teaching was 14 years ago, teaching Pre-K in San Antonio. A classroom of 15 three year olds. Within the first 10 minutes everything that could have gone wrong, did! Nine of my 15 kids were in tears, one had already kicked me, and another wet their pants. My aid, she was a saint, and had many years of experience. She helped me get back in the moment and gave me helpful reminders throughout the day. That year taught me patience, but also as teachers we never stop learning.

What would you do with the $25,000?

After upgrading my students tables and alternative seating in my classroom, I would spend the rest on traveling adventures with my new husband. We get married this year in April, and our dream is to see the world together. I’d like to say that I contributed to that dream by being able to pay for it. Peru, Spain, Japan and Australia are just a few of our dream destinations.