Jennifer Outman

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my passion for helping students grow and my desire to make a meaningful impact on young lives. Sharing knowledge and serving as a positive role model have always been important to me. I was fortunate to have amazing and impactful teachers throughout my school years. Through those relationships, I found inspiration to pursue teaching. I wanted to build the same meaningful connections with my students, both in and out of the classroom, that my teachers had with me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was during my first year in the classroom, a student diagnosed with selective mutism. I had no prior experience with this, but was determined to support him and educate myself. Around Christmas time, I was leaning against his desk. I had button covers on that looked like Christmas bulbs. He looked up at me and said, "I like your buttons." It wasn’t much, but it was a small victory. Reaffirming why I wanted to be a teacher- to make meaningful connections.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25,000 to use, I’d want to make sure it went toward something meaningful and impactful. Both of my children have student loan debt. While it may seem simple, I would give them this money to help reduce that burden or to put toward a down payment on a house—something they are both actively saving for. Even though we helped them financially during college, the full amount was too much. Helping them take a step toward financial stability and their future goals would mean the world to me.