Laura García Castro

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe in shaping the future by investing in our children. I come from a family of educators-- my mother was a teacher-- and so many of my beliefs were shaped by the power of education and the good that it can bring to our communities. Working at an elementary school in downtown San Francisco, I've seen how even the children with challenges both at home and in class can become studious scholars and critical thinkers. It's just so rewarding to watch students grow!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was integrating my love for martial arts with my love for teaching by instructing my class on self-defense martial arts as a part of our PE. As a third-degree black belt, I taught my students basic kicks, punches, blocks, and even white-belt-level katas.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a widowed mother of 3, I would help pay for my children's college tuition and put the money towards my classroom, ensuring every one of my students has free access to the school supplies they need, while also buying things like printer ink for paper handouts. I would also buy new laptops and iPads so that my students are equipped with the latest technology.