Today, the White House hosted 97 teachers from all over the country to celebrate their work and present them with 2020 and 2021 Teacher of the Year awards.
Here's what a few teachers had to say about what inspires them, and what their favorite part of the job is: THREAD
Chanda Jefferson, 2020 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, recalls how her high school Chemistry teacher — her only African American science teacher — ignited her love of STEM and inspired her to become an educator too.
Owen Bondono, 2021 Michigan Teacher of the Year says other great teachers, including his sister and 6th grade teacher, inspired him to teach. "Her small actions every day in the 6th grade, made me feel special... and made me want to help other people feel that same way."
Lauren Merkley, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year, says her favorite part about her job is "unsurprisingly," working with her students. "They are ceaselessly surprising, and funny, and inventive, and encouraging, and hilarious."
2020 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Chanda Jefferson's advice for new teachers is, "Find a mentor... someone who is genuinely interested in your personal and professional growth."
Anthony Swann, 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year, says that when things get tough, his advice for new and current teachers is to always remember your "why." "The students need you."
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.