Patrenia Goodem

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a real impact on students’ lives, especially in STEM education. Math and technology can be challenging for many students, but I love finding creative ways to break down complex concepts and make them engaging. Seeing students gain confidence in their abilities and apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations is incredibly rewarding.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was a year my students surprised me for my birthday by taking the knowledge they learned and made a STEAM connections by creating a song, art, math game etc.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded $25,000 as a teacher, I would use the funds to enhance STEM education for my students by developing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. I would establish a classroom makerspace where students can experiment, build, and innovate.