Heather Gant

Tell us why you became a teacher

One of my earliest memories as a young child was playing school and acting as the teacher. I loved the idea of teaching, supporting, encouraging and inspiring learners. My dream was to have my own classroom one day full of kindness, love, nurture and safety. A classroom where anyone who walked in, at any time, would feel all of those things. I remember as a student, the few teachers who provided this kind of environment for me and those memories will stay with me forever. I want my passion felt.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I am a Special Education Teacher and I work with many high need students including kiddos with an Autism diagnosis. I have learned how much time, effort, consistency and dedication it takes to build a relationship with many of these impacted kids. My most memorable moment is when I knew one of my students, whom I worked with for a few years, every day, trusted me. This student is non verbal but the trust and the relationship that developed, was visible to everyone, including his family💙

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am raising four wonderful kids of my own. My oldest just moved out on his own, my second just graduated high school, my third is a sophomore and my youngest is in 4th grade. As the first in my family to attend college and get a degree, I would love to provide the same opportunity for my children and give them each at least what they need to get started. I have encouraged all of my kids to become teachers as I can’t imagine a more rewarding life. I am incredibly fortunate to be in this field.