Vinny Chavez

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

The theatre room in high school was my safe space. In college, I got to continue learning about my craft in a more serious way. And then working in professional theatre, I had the chance to put everything together and learn from countless directors and theatre companies of what I loved (and mistakes to learn from). As a theatre teacher, I get the chance to share my knowledge with the younger generations and prepare them in more ways than I ever was.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are 2 memorable experiences that come to mind. It’s seeing my students’ growth over four years from shy and timid freshmen in my beginning acting class to seeing them compete in regional competitions with excellent and superior ratings. And it’s welcoming a new student from out of town with open arms and introducing them to a whole new group of supportive friends and leadership opportunities that has inspired their career path after high school.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a teacher with a masters degree in educational leadership, I still have to work another job just to make ends meet. And with my student loans and credit card debt weighing me down even more on top of everything, $25,000 would go a long way to pay off debt and save more for the future.