Shelby farrell

Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching was not my first choice, but it was my best choice. I knew from early on that teaching would suit my personality well and that I could do great things in this profession. I could make a difference. Since becoming a teacher, I’ve realized that the best feeling is when you’ve impacted a student for the better. In my classroom students are shown kindness, compassion, rigorous math content, and many other life skills to ensure they are ready to make their own impact on the world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moments go beyond students’ academic achievements, it’s what my students have taught me. My 4th year teaching, first year at a Title 1 school, I reacted poorly to a student’s behavior. After a heated exchange, I went home to reflect and knew I needed to correct my actions (even if the student’s were unjustified). I learned humility the day I apologized, and realized my students are teaching me as much as I am teaching them. We need each other to be better humans.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Teacher pay in Florida is 49th in the country; my cost of living surpasses my pay. Winning the $25,000 would help support my day to day expenses— including supporting my mental health and funding my classroom needs. Working at a low-income school is no easy feat, keeping myself healthy & happy is important to ensure my students are receiving the best version of myself. Having a classroom with needs beyond the academics is also important to support my students who may not have support at home.