Dorathy Winkler

I became a teacher because I have a knack for explaining things—and, according to my sisters, I’m quite bossy. In 1983, jobs were scarce, so I got my license to teach secondary English. I planned to do it for two years. Then five. Then ten. Now I’m in year 32. Honestly, I was hooked after year one. Watching middle schoolers grow from wee 6th graders to near adults is a gift. I started teaching to support myself, but the joy and fulfillment are why I stayed.

My most memorable teaching moment? My very first day. I remember my outfit—a borrowed skirt, worn shoes—and the kids staring, wondering if I knew what I was doing. Truthfully, I didn’t. Hired just two days before school started, with no student teaching experience, I was completely unprepared. That tough start led to many tears, but with help from veteran colleagues, I made it through. Now, 32 years later, I reflect on a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career.

Shelves! That’s what I’d do with $25,000—buy new shelves for my library! The current ones are ancient, mismatched, and falling apart. In 2022, our 8th graders gave the library a makeover, but the shelves still ruin the look. A $5,000 grant got me four, and I’ve raised $4,000 for three more, but I need so many! This prize would let me replace them—giving our diverse collection the home it deserves. New shelves, a dream realized!