Lauren Shropshire

Tell us why you became a teacher

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I would play school over summer break with my little brothers as students and my grandma as the principal/lunch lady. I would guide them through science experiments and help them with their cursive writing. In high school, I was part of Teacher’s Academy, where I student-taught for my last school bell. Teaching gives me a purpose - being a caring adult for my students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Countless moments have made teaching the most important thing to me, so coming up with just one memorable moment is impossible. Creating positive relationships with my students is the most important part of my job. Having students who have graduated (I’m at a K-8) come back to visit warms my heart. When students come back to update me on how well they’re doing in their high school science classes and how they already know the material is a reminder of the hard work that I put in.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With part of the prize money I would purchase supplies for my classroom. I love teaching forensics at the end of the year after my 8th graders finish state testing and could use more materials. I would use part of the money to start paying off my student loans. And with the last part of the money I would give back to my parents who have helped me out so much. I would not be the confident, caring, intelligent human I am today without my parents and I would love to help them in any way I could.