Jessika E Jenkins

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was raised around educators my entire life. I truly knew it was what I was supposed to do. In fact, I don't ever remember a time when I didn't want to teach. The whole reason I teach is to make a difference. I want to reach every child I have and make a positive difference in their lives. I want each child to leave my room knowing they are cared about and someone will always be in their corner.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My memorable moment taught me exactly how much I care about my kids. It was just before the 7th grade lunch bell rang, no more than 5 minutes, when we heard a horrible sound. A car came through our front doors and went through the cafeteria and stopped at the south wall of the lunch room. Three lunch tables were hit. Two of them were completely crushed. Glass went flying, some ended up the lunch warmers. Not one person was hurt. Knowing that my students would have been at that table, I was ill.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it for my retirement, which is quickly approaching. I want to travel!