Introducing the bright and promising recipients of our 2023 New Teacher Scholarships. These educators-in-the-making are leaving an indelible mark on the future of education and Teachers of Tomorrow is honored to play a part in their journey.
Originating from various backgrounds and cities spanning the nation, these passionate individuals eagerly divulge the compelling stories that ignited their desire to become teachers, shedding light on the inspirational sources that have paved their way forward.
In recognition of their dedication, each of these 20 teachers will receive up to $6000 to cover their entire Teachers of Tomorrow program fee, further fueling their journey towards shaping the future of education.
Emily Zerling – Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
For as long as I can remember, I have loved learning. We you love something, you want to share it with others. From tutoring younger students all the way back in elementary school to teaching English abroad and now substitute teaching, somehow, I have always found my way back to that passion for sharing the joy of learning. Now, I hope to be able to make teaching a full-time career.
Having recently relocated back to the United States, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many students across our school district and have only become more committed to taking this substitute teaching to the next level by becoming certified. I see how even just spending two or more days with a group of students allows you to build deeper relationships that enable students to begin to trust you and become eager to learn from you. I would love to be able to use my natural talent to connect with students in order to help them achieve success at school, build a skill set, and develop a good character for their future lives. I know that I am already making an impact when I see a student’s face light up. I am happy to see me back for the day, and I would be honored to be able to continue making such an impact on even more students.
Nicole Jackson – Detroit, MI
I chose a career in education because I wanted to give something back to the world. I didn’t decide to become a teacher until my own child was entering school. I would go and volunteer at her school, and I noticed that the children weren’t the same as when I went to school. Children were really behind, and all I could think about was, “What can I do to help this situation?” I decided that I wouldn’t add to the conversation of the children not being smart. I wanted to have a more solution-oriented positive impact on who would become our future leaders. I decided this was a new calling in my life. I was always really great at being a student, and I believed in education because I had amazing teachers. I want to be the teacher that my students remember for the rest of their lives because I left them with the knowledge that they can take with them forever. I want to be there to encourage and love my students. I want to show them how to motivate themselves throughout life. I want to be the teacher that they invite to their graduation from college because we became more than just teachers and students; we developed a family and a community. Going back to a school environment for my own child is what really inspired me to want to touch more than just my own kid, and this is why I deserve the scholarship.
Carmen Torres – Lansing, MI
Hello, my name is Carmen Torres. I am a mom and wife, and I’ve been a substitute Spanish teacher for a while. I discovered that I love being a teacher; being in front of students and teaching them my first native language is wonderful. I’ve been with students from Kindergarten to 8th grade, and it’s been a beautiful experience; that is why now I want to become a record teacher to have the opportunity to teach them what I want, what I believe will be more helpful for them, when you are a substitute you have to follow what the recorded teacher said, and sometimes I just think that their assignment is something that won’t help them in real life if they have to interact with Hispanic people, that’s why I want to be a record teacher, I would like to show them my culture, language, and traditions in a fun way. I’ve been a substitute teacher for a long time, and I have been using some interactive games with them. They are Learning a lot, and at the same time, they are having fun. I’m getting beautiful feedback from students and teachers, and that impulse led me to follow my dream to be a Spanish teacher and make fun classes and teach them.
Ellery Zandt – Boiling Springs, SC
I was inspired to choose a career in education because of my own children. I have three beautiful girls who are so innocent and show such joy in life, and I want all children to be able to keep their innocence and go through school with such joy and positivity. I want children to see the world and school as a safe places and be excited to jump off of the bus and see me as their teacher each and every day. Knowing they are going to have the best day and a full day away from all the struggles they may have at home and throughout their daily lives. I want to give children a year to remember for the rest of their lives and make an impact on them that they carry throughout their lives and tell their future kids about their elementary teacher. I think students should be given all the possibilities to succeed and grow no matter their situations or disabilities. All children should be shown love, care, and compassion and be given the same opportunity to love school and their teacher. I want to be that teacher that students want to grow up and be in their own futures. I will be the teacher who goes above and beyond to inspire and bring creativity out of my students as I do at home each day with my own children, watching them grow and make me laugh with such joy and glow from their tiny little hearts and souls.
Saima Mirza – Dearborn, MI
My children inspired me to choose teaching as a career. Three ways I can contribute a positive ripple effect by being a teacher are to improve the quality of education, give back to the community, and, most importantly, change the lives of students. I enjoy teaching and enabling opportunities for future generations. Teaching is a selfless as well as rewarding career because it is critical for the growth and development of our children.
There is a high demand for teachers today, and I believe I have been called upon to become a teacher in response to this need. In the past, I managed a classroom full of students, and this was a way to impact the education system. My teaching philosophy was to challenge the students with tactical, practical, and critical thinking. I motivate students through exciting in-class activities and project work.
Moreover, I want to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. Teaching is a direct way to make a societal impact. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood, so I can relate to the struggles and importance of education, and through my devotion to this profession, I can make a positive difference. I have helped many students who were behind academically become more successful. I stayed with them after school to improve their scores in writing and reading comprehension. They were enthusiastic about working with me daily and made great progress, which was very rewarding for me personally as I saw how my role played a huge role in changing their lives.
Overall, the importance of being a teacher cannot be overstated, and in essence, it allows me to take part in shaping the next generation; thereby, I would like to pursue this profession as it will be the best way I can give back.
Jennifer McWhirter – Porter, IN
When my sons started Kindergarten, I always helped in the classroom. I enjoyed being with the kids, helping the teacher, and being part of the school community. As a parent, I served as the Treasurer on the PTO for three years. We brought many opportunities to our school and community by working together and including local businesses and organizations. My greatest accomplishment on the PTO board was starting a book room in our school. This book room has helped hundreds of students learn and support their reading levels through the years. I started substitute teaching a few years later and have loved being a teacher ever since! After nine years as a substitute, I have decided that I want to be a full-time teacher. It is inspiring to watch a child when something finally clicks, that spark in their eye! The ah-ha moment! I want to continue working with kids to keep fighting for the ah-ha moment. To be an advocate for the children and make sure their needs and goals are met. I aim to be a positive influence in our schools and community by supporting them and working together to bring joy and fun through hands-on activities and integrating technology and community projects. The future child needs a teacher who cares for the whole child, fosters a growth mindset philosophy, spreads kindness, and cares for and can make a difference for all students. I am that teacher.
Lisa Price – Reno, NV
I have a passion for learning and thinking, and by thinking, I mean the ability to think for oneself. With respect to learning, I know that the more I learn, the more I learn that there is to learning, and it’s exhilarating! Learning and thinking should not be seen as daunting tasks; they should be experienced as the magical life adventures that they are. I want to instill those same passions (for learning and learning how to think for oneself) into my students. Fostering those passions into our future by way of our youth is not only a way to serve future students but a way to serve one’s community.
As a certificated life coach, I am skilled in asking powerful questions. With a master’s degree in philosophy, I am skilled in critical thinking. I know how to ask questions that are aligned with Bloom’s highest levels of taxonomy and Webb’s deepest depths of knowledge. By instilling my passion for learning and thinking, coupled with my skills for critical analysis and questioning, I will serve my future schools by creating students who shine in standardized testing.
Thus, by cultivating people who never stop wanting to learn, who can think for themselves, and who score well on standardized tests, I will positively influence the future students, schools, and communities I serve.
Brandon Buckmaster – Las Vegas, NV
I find that most of my inspiration to be an educator comes in reflection from past mentors that I have had during my formative years and university studies. In my very early years, I studied the violin with many different kinds of music instructors who specialized in private lessons, orchestral direction, string quartet coaching, and ensemble performance. Learning the violin and becoming a well-rounded musician is a long and sometimes lonely path, and I continued to pursue music as a career, eventually earning a master’s degree in Music from Johns Hopkins University.
I do not believe that I would have the skills today to play this instrument without the continued dedication of the mentors with whom I was fortunate to study. I would love to make the same kind of impact on future musicians by inspiring young artists to pursue a career in music, and I believe that I have the empathy and developed skill sets at heart as a performer and a teacher to make this happen. I love to promote the fostering of the arts in schools and communities because I believe that music, especially, is a way for us to connect together in a common language that breaks down barriers among different groups of people and brings us together in ways that other forms of discourse are not able to do.
Chanacia Hood – Dallas, TX
I only saw myself wanting to be a teacher once I began working with high school students as a high school college advisor. Working with high school seniors has taught me a lot about the importance of educators. Students thrive off of motivation and encouragement from someone who genuinely cares. I always felt great when students would come in and say, Ms.Hood, I got into a college today. Those moments were the best parts of my job. At that moment, I realized that teaching could be beneficial not only for me but for students as well. I picture myself as the teacher, allowing students to express themselves by creating a safe, fun-spirited classroom. A safe place where they can be their best selves while learning new and impactful things. I want to create beautiful classroom moments they can carry into adulthood for years.
My ninth-grade teacher was that teacher who created monumental moments in her classroom. We did learn a lot about biology, but we also learned the importance of time management and critical thinking, which are valuable skills you need in life. Kids are exceptional in their own way, but sometimes, it takes a special teacher to bring the uniqueness out of a student. I want to be one of those teachers who build up more extraordinary students so they can be even more significant to the world. Teaching is a gift I would like to give to students. All teachers want to be impactful, but I don’t only want to be impactful; I want to be an inspiration. Many kids come from different backgrounds, and they don’t always see those positive figures in their lives. I plan to be the teacher who changes my students’ lives every time they enter my classroom.
Heather Edwards – Katy, TX
As an underprivileged student growing up, I always admired the support of teachers, being an ear for the unheard, being the comfort for the uncomforted, and being a loved one of those who lacked love. I pursued my career in mental health, working with at-risk youth providing each of them with the same care and attention I received from some of my teachers. I also wanted to be an advocate for children who were unable to properly advocate for themselves. I began my journey as a paraprofessional in special education as I felt there was a need for someone who had the experience I had and also for more teachers who looked like me. As an African American woman, former student, and soon-to-be educator, I feel it is important for students to have someone that they can relate to in all aspects of life, seeing them as human beings and not for their lack, seeing them as having potential and encouraging them to be the very best that they can be. Currently, I am pursuing my certification in special education, as I enjoy being hands-on, getting to know the students one-on-one, and helping them see their potential and reach their goals.
Jourdan Kinsey – Green Pond, SC
For as long as I can remember, I have had an interest in working with children. My undergraduate experiences really solidified this for me. I went to South Carolina State University, where I received a BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology. While working towards my degree, I was able to work in the on-campus speech clinic, where I was able to work with children with a wide range of speech delays and disabilities. It felt extremely rewarding watching them reach their speech goals and seeing how the children reacted to learning and mastering new skills. I soon realized that a career in speech wasn’t for me, but I still had a passion for children. I then worked as an Early Interventionist, and for a while, I thought I had found my match, but the strain of all of the traveling began to weigh on me.
I started working as a substitute teacher, and then it seemed as if things started to click. I enjoyed working in the building and making connections with the staff and students. Seeing things on the other side interests me. Working in the school system feels like an adventure. Every day, there is something now, and that is something that I love while working. I love the anticipation of knowing that I can never truly expect how my day will turn out.
When I become an educator, I hope to be like the teachers that I had growing up. I want to be someone that the children can look back on and have positive memories and experiences with. I want to be someone who will have the children excited to come to school and ready to learn something new every day. I want to be someone who inspires students to become future teachers themselves.
Sheila Villa – Coppell, TX
I never saw myself being a teacher. But when college started, I was working at a daycare center as a part-time teacher. I loved being around the kids, reading to them, and showing them new things. It was then that I decided to major in education. My chosen career was on track, but my personal life was not. My grades were suffering, and I decided to quit school and take a long, hard look at life in general. It took five years to get back on my educational path, and it felt so good to be back in school, but life, as it does, got in the way. I ended up taking an office job. Twenty years later, my life in an office was interrupted by Covid.
As I sat in the house hiding from the pandemic and home-schooling my 4th grader and my 7th grader with special needs, I began to see just how amazing their teachers were, and I truly felt at that moment that they were doing not just their best, but really striving to go above and beyond to help guide their students and families. I made up my mind to do as much as I could for our school district and to give back to the profession that gave us our guiding lights during a dark time.
The whole process of coming back to education has been truly exciting. My main goal is to pass along my passion for learning to elementary students at the beginning of their learning paths. I want to give as many students as I can the support, guidance and love that they need to progress down their path. Seeing new generations of children getting excited about learning is the best motivator I can imagine!
Shelby Rooker – San Marcos, TX
The most fulfilled I have ever felt while working was working with elementary school children. I am looking for a career that allows me to foster mentorships with students and educate teachers who are just as passionate about making a lasting impact on our community. I am passionate about communication and am committed to teaching students to regard the world with curiosity, confidence, and respect. A mentorship between student and teacher can have a lasting impact. I, like many others, am inspired to teach because of those teachers who gave more of their time, attention, and dedication than was asked of them. I’m inspired by my 7th-grade algebra tutor, who always found another way of explaining a difficult concept to me, by my 8th-grade science teacher, who self-funded a field trip to NASA, and my high school theater teacher, who taught me how to sew.
Certainly, the education that happens outside the lesson plans is what impacts a student for life–what gives them the confidence or the kindness to engage with the world later on in life as a leader. For myself, I want the opportunity to give our younger students the skills that prepare them for later education- but more than that, I want the skills to become positive members of their community. Daily, I am reminded by my peers that I have a gift for education and working with younger children, and I am thrilled to begin a career in education.
Regina Neal – Cedar Hill, TX
My sincere love for children inspired me to choose a career in education. I want (I need) the opportunity, honor, and privilege of becoming a teacher because I have an earnest desire to help and serve children (academically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially). I’ve wanted to give back to society by helping children for several years now. But, in times past, I’ve had to contend with overwhelming financial and time constraints. However, if I had the financial backing of a scholarship to help me acquire the knowledge, training, and resources needed to become a highly qualified teacher, I would be able to focus more of my time and energy on becoming an observant teacher. I would finally have the opportunity to become a teacher whose only desire would be to serve her students. I want to devote the rest of my time on earth to helping children become great citizens. I want to have a pivotal role in molding them into citizens who want to make a positive impact on society in the most productive way. I pray that I have an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of every student who is assigned to my classroom. That is how I would make the world a better place to call home.
Brittney Russell-Bradshaw – Houston, TX
What inspired me to choose teaching as my career was my family. I come from a background of educators, and I want to continue the legacy. I believe the purpose of life is to give back, serve, and help others to move forward. The children are our future, and I believe they are guided, nurtured, and encouraged in a positive way. Then, the world would be a better place, and they can continue the cycle of giving back by helping others move on to their next stage of life. My plan is to make a positive impact on future students and the community by getting the community involved with the classroom. The old saying is it takes a village to raise a child. I want future students to know that they are cared for, and teachers show up every day believing in them, and whatever dreams and goals they have in life, they are possible to achieve. For the community, they are valued, and we need everyone because every little bit counts. I want to encourage, lead, support, and inspire the students of tomorrow by leaving a positive impact on their lives through my actions.
Roger Mora – Dallas, TX
The inspiration to become a teacher sparked from my previous occupation as a physical therapist assistant. I grew to enjoy and love the teaching aspect of PT and the constant education I provided to patients. Once a month, I ran a mobility day for the local high school and realized that being around these students excited me, and I needed to transition to become a teacher. I enjoy the energy from them and the small life lessons I provide either through conversation or the way I hold myself as a person. I plan to make an impact by being involved and engraving myself as part of the students’ lives, communities, and faculty. I do so by running the HOSA club at Pearce High School, attending PD to improve my teacher knowledge and become more well-rounded, and going to watch sports or extracurriculars the students are involved in. I believe the classroom is important, but being there for the students, I think, serves as my impactful message to them and helps them realize the impact education can have on you. I hope when they see me or talk to me in public or at school, I can inspire them to be the best version of themselves and excel in society, at home, at work, and at school.
Nathaniel Brown – Ionia, MI
When I was younger, I had a hard time accepting teaching was not a worthy profession. At one time, I thought I would pursue a career in business, make a lot of money, and retire early. I have had a successful career so far, but for a while, I have felt empty. I have always been good at working with kids. I have 2 of my own. I am watching my 2-year-old son learn his ABCs and colors, shapes, and numbers, and I can’t help the fact that I could be helping other kids as well. If I’m chosen to be a scholarship winner, I believe I can help students achieve their dreams by fulfilling mine, which is to teach history, whether at the middle or high school level. I also watch my wife, who is also a teacher of tomorrow’s 3rd-year student, and I’ve seen the support she’s gotten from both ToT and her staff. She is a veteran teacher, and watching her, my mom and dad are also teachers. I realize from their examples patience, love, compassion, empathy, and desire to help others become better have caused me to want to better myself. I hope if I’m chosen that, I can only Go back to what was given to me through watching my family become teachers.
Meagan Jefferson – Greensboro, NC
I believe that teachers who are successful understand that it is an art form because they are juggling a lot of attention to detail, classroom instruction, classroom management, and relationships with their students and guardians/parents. Knowing this information and seeing a student’s eyes light up by asking inquiring questions in their lesson (s) inspired me to choose a career in education. I have always had a passion for assisting others and creating an environment where they can feel confident and comfortable learning. It also inspires me to pursue a career in education. I plan on using my life experiences of training others, active listening, and community building to create a positive future for students, schools, and communities I serve.
I can recall many teachers who made an impact on my life throughout my own personal education journey. The most memorable teachers were kind, stern, motivational, adaptable, and always pushed for successful students. These are qualities I believe I can bring to my future classroom. I believe that teachers can cultivate and inspire their students through engaging lessons, positivity, and valuable lessons the students can take beyond the classroom and apply in the real world. I have real-world experience(s) by taking the non-traditional route and studying subject matters that are of interest and applicable to student success. I also believe these experiences (s) will make a positive impact on the future students, schools, and communities I serve.
Romeo Robertson – Avondale, AZ
What inspired me to be a teacher in education were my past math teachers who did more than just teach a class but also taught me life lessons as well. I really did not know how deep being in education was until I talked to some of my friends who are teachers in other states. I told them that I love math and would like to try to be a math teacher, especially an algebra teacher. The way I plan on making a positive impact in the future is by individualized instruction, fostering a Growth Mindset, Emphasizing Inclusivity in classroom environments, and Collaborating with Colleagues. I’m a coach as well, so I see where coaching and teachers tie in with each other.
Being in a classroom environment with a group of kids where you can teach them life lessons and provide some type of guidance for them can really brighten up your day. At the end of the day, students look up to you, and you have to set an example for them to follow. In conclusion, I’ve looked up to all of my teachers who really care about me when it comes to school, and they should. That’s why I gave those teachers 100% every day because I know they were looking up to me and accepting so much from me. The reason for that is that they see the good in me and know my goals. So, this is why I want to be an algebra teacher: I have the knowledge and really love the subject, which changed my perspective on education.
Ann Bingel – Yuma, AZ
I have had an interest in teaching since I was a child; however, it was not until my daughter, Lucy, was born that interest turned into inspiration. Lucy was born with Down Syndrome, and it was from the moment I found out about her diagnosis that I started to worry about her education. Horror stories about the education system for students with disabilities. It is my intent to bring more tolerance, understanding, and compassion not only to the education system but to the students who interact with people with disabilities.
Special education has progressed exponentially since I was in elementary school, and I believe with the continued, diligent, enthusiastic efforts of teachers, generations to come may have healthier, happier childhoods altogether. Commonality, unity, and belonging are all so important to the mental health of young people, and I am of the opinion that the education system can advance further and incorporate these themes into everyday class function. Thereby preparing young minds and hearts for the very diverse world we live in.
I could go on for days about all the adjustments and improvements I would make, but I will leave it simply by saying that I have a personal, close-to-heart reason that keeps me constantly inspired to find potential in every child and coax it out of them for the betterment of mental health of children and in the long run, society.
As we celebrate the achievements of these exceptional scholarship recipients, we are reminded of the enduring power of teachers and the lasting influence they have on the lives of their students. The stories and aspirations of these future educators inspire us all to recognize the invaluable role teachers play in shaping our world, one classroom at a time.
Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients – we cannot wait to see how you shape the future!
