Emily Campbell

Tell us why you became a teacher

Music and theater were my safe spaces in middle and high school. As a young closeted queer kid in the Midwest, being on stage and singing in a choir led me to want to bring that joy, community, and safety to other young people and the next generation of young musicians and performers. I come from a family of helpers- my mom is a social worker, my grandfather was a French teacher, so education was a natural decision for me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The best part about being a performing arts educator is the relationships that are built throughout the years. I have students who I taught who I now sing with in professional groups, who sang at my wedding, amongst others. Watching my students take their love of music and performing arts into their real adult lives has been the most memorable moment of teaching.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My wife and I are welcoming are second daughter this May and would love to pay down our fertility treatment bills and be able to get a car to fit our family of four.