Katie Turekian

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became an art teacher after studying art and design in college. At that point, I realized that I wanted to make a difference in others’ lives through art. I went back to school for teaching and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The most memorable moment for me as a teacher was when I had a former student reach out to me. A student that I had in elementary school was now a senior in high school and wanted to share her art with me. She also expressed to me she is attending school to become an art teacher herself because of my art class. I am so proud and so grateful that I got to see her progression and growth. It was definitely a proud, full-circle moment.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of the money to pay off some student loans for my husband and myself. I would also love to go visit art museums all over the world and learn more about art to share with my students.