Hayden Van Son

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to inspire and have a positive impact on children's lives. To be a positive male role model and create an environment where students feel valued, challenged, creative, and emboldened. When I reflect on my own educational journey, I think of the teachers whose mentorship made me feel empowered, important, and inspired, and that is the kind of teacher I aim to be for my students. Someone who listens, cares, and equips them with skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Every day is filled with memorable moments in the classroom, but perhaps the most memorable for me are the days when students from my previous classes stop by to see me and fill me in on their lives and continued education. It makes me feel fulfilled to know that they view me as someone they can trust and share their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations with at school, and I continue to be proud of all the things they accomplish.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put most of the $25,000 toward my student loans, and the rest I would put toward continuing my education as an educator, so that I can show up every day for my students and be the teacher they deserve.