Lauren Martin

Tell us why you became a teacher

My biggest inspiration was my first grade teacher. Since I was very young, my mother has had countless back surgeries to help with her chronic pain. This teacher constantly asked me how she was, if I needed anything, and even let me wait in her room when my mom was late to pick me up from school after her surgery. From that point on, I've had a passion for helping children feel seen, loved, and truly valued. I started working at a summer camp, then a day care, then finally as a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I teach fifth grade math, which even for adults, can be very challenging. One of my students consistently struggled, so I decided to change up my instruction to better serve my students (more discussions, more small groups, etc.). After about a week of this new structure, that student came to me and said “I just wanted to say, math has been really fun lately. I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and it’s thanks to you.” Nothing feels better than helping kids realize they can do hard things.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off my student loan debt, invest in my classroom (more materials for a more enriching and stimulating environment), help my parents with my mother’s medical bills, and potentially go back to school for my masters degree. I truly love learning and I would be absolutely honored to have any chance of sharing that with others in more meaningful ways.