Jessica Vasquez

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe learning should be filled with passion, curiosity, and a touch of magic. Growing up, my favorite teachers were the ones who made school feel like an adventure - where learning became fun and knowledge was discovered. I wanted to create the same experiences for my students, turning lessons into moments of wonder and excitement. I want my students to believe in themselves and leave my class with a lifetime appreciation for learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments was with my fourth grade small groups. Each student set their own pace and by February, one student had mastered ALL of her fourth grade math standards. It was an incredible celebration - her hard work paid off and the entire class cheering her on. I cried, she cried, her mom cried - it was so special. I love these moments of ownership and student success. It's inspiring and always a reminder of why I do what I do.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win the $25,000, I would invest it in creating an innovative learning environment for my students. This would include aquiring advanced educational tools for my science class, funding engaging guess visits and field trips, and allocating a portion to professional developing. I would also invest in classroom transformation materials to bring the lessons to life! I would focus on providing fresh, effective teaching strategies!