Zachary Stewart

Tell us why you became a teacher

I originally was not planning on going into teaching, but life had different plans for me. After college, I substitute taught for a year in Lafayette Parish and realized that this is what I was meant to do. The ability to educate kids academically and emotionally is something I have grown a great passion for. This was only further solidified by my experience with becoming the dad of a special needs child. Teaching gives me an avenue to share my compassion and positivity to the youth of today.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I know that this sounds cliche but every day that I teach is a new memorable experience. The great thing about teaching is that each day, you are faced with a different opportunity to teach and reach the students. No two days are the same and this allows me as a teacher to reach the kids in so many different ways day in and day out.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As stated in my reason for becoming a teacher, I have a special needs daughter, Genevieve, who is currently 3 years old. Through the kindness of my community, they have helped us day in and day out with the extra needs that come with raising her. Unfortunately, even with this help, raising Genevieve can be very expensive due to the equipment, supplies, and many therapies that are needed to help her thrive. This money would go to helping ensure she has what she needs to grow and thrive.