Sarah Zingalis

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I had a disability of barely being able to hear when I was a child. I only had 40-50% of my hearing. I didn’t have a lot of teachers who worked with me and helped me because I was behind in my learning. I had an amazing 7th grade teacher who helped me and that made me want to become a teacher myself. She spent time with me and made me feel like I could do anything.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I had a student who didn’t have much support at home. This was when I was student teaching and we kept a brush and baby wipes for this girl in the back to use when she came in, in the morning. She always appreciated it and gave me a hug every morning. This showed me that being a teacher isn’t just teaching curriculum but going the extra mile for your children.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With that $25,000 I would also use it for different STEM activities for my students. I would also take a trip to Greece with my husband. I have always dreamed of going there since I was a kid.