Joshua Bearden

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to make a positive impact on the world. I love having the daily opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. I love to show children that they are special and that they matter. I love teaching because I get the opportunity to show that learning can be fun and memorable. Teaching allows me, in a small way, to impact the future and to make a difference. Inspiring students is my passion in life!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have had numerous amazing moments in my twenty-year career thus far, but the most memorable teaching experience I have had was when one of my students from my first year of teaching graduated high school and came back to speak to my current fifth-grade students going to middle school. Being present to witness this moment and to see how one of my former students was inspiring some of my current students was amazing and memorable. I will never forget this moment as an educator. This is my why.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have been thinking about this a great deal. I would love to have this opportunity as I would donate a portion of this money to my school and the STEM programs I am coaching to further student growth and learning in STEM. I am also a parent of a special needs child, and I would use this money to help support him and his needs, as well as my family's needs. This money would help me accomplish amazing things for my school and my family for the future.