Tony slate

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up in a broken home, school was my refuge—the one place where I felt seen, safe, and supported. It was there that my teachers became my heroes. They believed in me when I couldn’t see my own worth and spoke life into dreams I didn’t know I had. That’s why I chose to become a teacher: to be for someone else what my teachers were for me. Their impact lit a fire in me—and I always wanted to pass that light on to others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Teaching is more than a job to me—it’s a calling. I feel incredibly rich because of the countless students who have touched my life in deep and lasting ways. Honestly, it's every single day I’ve spent in the classroom. But if I had to highlight something, I’ll always cherish the three years I spent teaching and leading the AVID program, helping first-generation college students chase dreams that once felt out of reach.I want every student to leave my class believing in themselves a little more.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would help pay for my twin daughter’s education. They are starting their college careers in a few months. Being a father of four daughters is a joy and anything I can do to help with their college career would be incredible!