Sherriann Holtey

Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always had a desire to be a teacher. My mother saved a craft I made in elementary school, which was written on it, saying, "When I grow up, I want to be a teacher.". After 25 years of teaching, I have experienced the highs and lows of teaching and everything in between. During the challenging years, what keeps me going is the joy I see when a student, who is struggling with a mathematical concept, perseveres through it, and the light bulb goes on and they understand.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

While teaching at a Title 1 school, I had seven boys who were struggling in their seventh-grade math class. They had difficulty doing just the basic arithmetic concepts. None of the boys were on an IEP or 504 plan. It took nearly 3/4 of the school year and a lot of persistence to get them tested for learning disabilities. Five of the boys came back with learning disabilities in mathematics. They were placed on IEPs and were able to experience success, where before there was failure.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my mom on her dream vacation. She is the strongest and most selfless person I know. She cared for her physically and mentally disabled husband for 25 years. Until she nearly died of heart failure, had quadruple open-heart bypass surgery with a valve replacement, another repaired, loss of two fingers, and an allergic reaction to medication while undergoing surgery. She has sacrificed a lot for those she has loved. She continues to crochet blankets for cancer patients.