Jillian Bellamy

Tell us why you became a teacher

After years of babysitting & working at summer camps, I started college with the dream of becoming an elementary teacher. However, while working as an AVID tutor at a nearby high school, I discovered my true calling. Helping students with challenging math topics sparked my love for both math & mentorship. Today, I strive to share my passion for learning with all my students, encouraging them to believe that they ARE math people. The joy of watching my students succeed brings me back each year.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In the 2023-24 school year, I was asked to become the ASB advisor after unexpected faculty changes. As a math teacher, this was outside my comfort zone, but the students welcomed me with open arms. Working through challenges together while planning events, rallies, elections, and fundraisers was both emotional and rewarding. This experience deepened my love for teaching and mentorship, showing me a new side of working with students beyond the classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to pursue my dream of becoming a college professor by funding my doctorate in education. This would allow me to expand my reach and train the next generation of teachers. While I believe experience in the classroom is the best preparation for teaching future educators, I’m eager to study the latest research in education to refine and deepen my own understanding of best practices.