Haley Widger

Tell us why you became a teacher

I started my career as a paraeducator and realized my passion for working with children in Special Education. Helping my students access their curriculum through any and all means is a challenge I find joy in, especially when I get to see my students excitement in discovering their own abilities and learning new skills. Being a teacher is hard work, but the work we do is worth any obstacle we may come across. I love my job and my classroom staff that help me be the best teacher I can be!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Picking out one experience is difficult; I could pick out a moment from every week in this school year so far. One of the most memorable is when one of my students of 3 years had moved from my class to one which better suited their needs. I love all my students, which made this transition an emotional one since it was the first time I (and my team) decided to move a student to a new placement. I did not want to see them go, but learned that doing what is best for the student is SO rewarding!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Most of the money would go towards furthering my education and pursuing my Master's degree, as well as supplies and furniture for my students and classroom. My own education is very important to me. I believe the stronger my educational background is, the better prepared I will be to teach my students. I would also love to give back to my paraeducators because they go above and beyond for myself and the students.