AQS Supports Teachers
AQS manages investments for insurance companies. We simply want to help classroom teachers by making the tools they need more accessible.
Like many, we’ve come to know lots of classroom teachers and noticed they have several things in common:
- They are passionate about teaching.
- They love their kids and put their heart into teaching.
- They give up evenings and weekends doing their job
- Their reward is a job well-done.
- A little more financial support for their classroom would be welcome.
The Drawing
We want to help with the financial support!
- We ask several questions in the below application.
- We will ask the winner for a picture and a letter of reference from an administrator for validation
- With this application, you are giving us permission to post your picture on this website and other social media channels.
- Hit submit and recieve an acknowledgement.
- We’ll announce the winner every month at the bottom of this web page.
- The winner will receive a $500 Amazon gift card to be spent on your classroom, your group or your school – it’s up to you.
- We will keep applications until we end this program; however, if you would like to update and resubmit, we’ll take it.
The Complete Application button will take you to a new page. Complete the application, click submit. Good luck!
Please NOTE: After ‘SUBMIT’, you MAY get a Google verification at the TOP of the form. Scroll up to see it.
If you have difficulty with the Google Forms applcation, just contact us at help@aqssupportsteachers.com
Please NOTE! Because some browsers “cache” or remember the pictures and text from the last time you visited, you may not see the most current winner. Be sure to “refresh” or “reload” your browser to see the most recent winners.
March Winner
Name: Brooke Lincoski
School: California Academy of Learning Charter School
Grades: 6 – 10th
Why did you choose to begin teaching? Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve had this passion for Social Studies. Throughout college, I’ve changed my major so many times feeling lost with my own education. Until I was helping my younger brothers with their homework and the lightbulb moment happened. Teaching was my passion and more important my love for history. What better way then to help students explore the past to better equip themselves for the future.
Finest Teaching Moment. The students were asked to write letters to their favorite teacher. When I was handed my stack, I realized that I had the most letters. That was the changing moment when I realized I am helping these students.
Greatest Challenge. My greatest challenge was with myself. I didn’t realize if I was going to be good enough for the students. I had to work with myself to get better so I would be better for my students.
February Winner
Name: Gianna
School: California Academy of Learning Charter School
Grades: K – 5th
Why did you choose to begin teaching? Being an only child always made me know that I wanted to work with children and there was no better way to do that than to become a teacher. I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and help them succeed and reach their highest potential.
Finest Teaching Moment. It actually happened this school year. I was invited to a conference to meet Mr. Ron Clark of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta Georgia and he gave the educators some tips and advise to engage students. So while reading from our chapter book in grades 3-5 I stood on a table in front of the students so I was above them and they got to sit on top of their desks. The students loved it and wanted me to keep going after we were finished. This showed me that something that small can make a world of difference.
Greatest Challenge. Right now teaching multiple grades at a time. We teach on their learning level so there is a lot of extra planning and time spent figuring out how to reach each student’s educational goals.
January Winner
Name: Eby
School: Presbyterian School Houston, Houston, TX
Grades: 1st – 5th
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I had incredible, inspiring teachers growing up, especially in middle school (when it truly made all the difference). I always loved learning and working with kids (in high school I babysat and coached swim team and in college I worked at summer camps). When I graduated college I moved to South Korea to teach English and I was hooked!
Finest Teaching Moment. I’m so lucky to have a lot of autonomy in my job – I created a program at my school about Critical and Creative Thinking. Problem Solving, Making, Communicating, and Collaborating are some of the most important skills we can teach students today. I teach older kids (3rd-5th) these skills through looking at and learning about art.
Greatest Challenge. Time! Art offers a powerful way to understand and appreciate the world, and I want my students to explore its depth and richness fully. Whether it’s discovering the stories behind a masterpiece, understanding different cultures, or finding personal expression, there’s always more to uncover than time allows. Balancing this vast subject with the need to keep lessons engaging and accessible requires careful planning and prioritization, but I see it as a rewarding challenge that motivates me to inspire curiosity and a lifelong love for learning.
December Winner
Name: Jessica
School: Wesley K-8 School, Pittsburgh, PA
Grades: 1st – 3rd
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I enjoy it! My mother was a special education teacher, I love the challenges of individualizing instruction, the spontaneous variety of the school day and the personalities of my students. It’s such a privilege. I can’t imagine doing anything else more important.
Finest Teaching Moment. Too many incredible experiences come to mind. Seeing my students learning confidently and proudly, working collaboratively with parents and caregivers leaves me feeling accomplished.
Greatest Challenge. Working with families with differing basic needs and priorities. Family situations that are fluid, and inconsistent. Interrupted routines impact my students in ways that are difficult to identify.
November Winner
Name: Stephanie
School: Dallago Early Childhood Center, Vineland, NJ
Grades: Preschool
Why did you choose to begin teaching?I have always loved working with children, and knew from early on that I would find it worthwhile and rewarding to help students learn and grow!
Finest Teaching Moment.My students are 3-5 years old – so they grow and develop SO MUCH in the time they are in my classroom. Being able to see that growth – and being someone who helped them along the way – over the course of 2 years in each child is so special!
Greatest Challenge. Balancing school life and home life is always challenging – there can always be more to do in the classroom, more research to look up, etc, etc, etc. But working to maintain this balance helps make me be a better teacher for my little learners.
October Winner
Name: Chris
School: Beverly Manor Grade School, Washington, IL
Grades: 6
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I chose to begin teaching because of my love for kids. I am the oldest of 10 kids and my father was a teacher. I have coached and done after school programs since I was in college!
Finest Teaching Moment. My finest moment in teaching was when I was able to get the most challenging student to listen to me and care more about attending school!
Greatest Challenge. My greatest challenge has been working at a title 1 school with limited resources and limited parental support to help guide them in a positive direction!
September Winner
Name: Megan
School: Oceanside Middle School, Oceanside, NY
Grades: 7 & 8
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I always wanted to find a way to incorporate my love for being a musician with whatever career path I selected. Experiences with my HS music program, led to a lightbulb moment when I realized that I could do exactly this with my life – inspire future musicians. Nothing like it in the world!
Finest Teaching Moment. In May of 2023, my middle school chamber orchestra surprised me at our spring concert with a five minute thank you speech and gifts. They took the time to write down all of the ways I had made a positive influence in all aspects of their lives, not just music — and they stood in front of an entire auditorium filled with community members to say so. I was so honored and blown away by the fact that they truly GOT what the broader meaning of music in our schools is. Couldn’t have been prouder!
Greatest Challenge. As a middle school music teacher, one of my struggles is dealing with how many choices my students have when choosing electives. At scheduling time, I do what I can to retain as many students as I can in the orchestra program when faced with elective conflicts. Some years, it is easier than others. This past school year was my most challenging due to changes in the 9th grade mandatory course load for 2024-25. I always look to improve what I’m doing and saying to my students to show them that sticking with their instrument in high school pays off in the long run!
August Winner
Name: Jas
School: REACH Program, Lubbock ISD, Lubbock, TX
Grades: 6 – 12
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I strongly believe in the importance of inclusivity education and ensuring all students receive the best opportunity to learn and interact with their peers and community.
Finest Teaching Moment. I work with students that have disabilities and previously may have had no desire or hope of graduating from high school. Every year, I have the opportunity to relive my finest teaching moment as they graduate from high school.
Greatest Challenge. Sometimes, families and students that transfer to our campus are emotionally drained and untrusting of the school system. My greatest challenge is connecting and building relationships with my students and their families to earn their trust and get them to buy into our program.
July Winner
Name: Christie
School: Deer Park Junior High, Deer Park, TX
Grade: 6
Why did you choose to begin teaching? Math is not everyone’s favorite or strongest subject. I like to show students how math can be applied to everyday life. From comparing prices at the grocery store to guessing the amount jelly beans in a jar. I became a math teacher to show my students that there is math doesn’t have to be a scary subject.
Finest Teaching Moment. When I bump into my former students, who are in high school and express to me how great they are doing in algebra due to our conversations and funny acronyms. Watching my students succeed outside my classroom is always a fine moment.
Greatest Challenge. Having a student that has predetermined that my class will be hassle because math is not their favorite subject. Changing the way a student feels about math because they have failed in the past is hard. I struggle to lift their spirits about the subject.
June Winner
Name: Elaine
School: Chicago Academy Elementary, Chicago, IL
Grade: 1
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I always loved working with kids. I babysat through college, my father was a teacher and principal who gave and earned respect. I wanted to follow his footsteps, helping students learn academically and socially while respecting their background and their needs.
Finest Teaching Moment. My finest teaching moment isn’t one that revealed itself in the moment but years later. I received a letter from a former student during teacher appreciation from a student I had taught 8+ years prior. That letter hangs by my desk to remind me that my work is about giving them a solid start in life.
Greatest Challenge. Helping students with their emotions. Students who struggle to respond appropriately in difficult situations cannot focus well enough during class to learn effectively. More often, social skills need to be taught in school in order to have students in the right frame of mind to learn.
May Winner
Name: Angela
School: Ringgold Elementary South, Monongahela, PA
Grade: Special Education
Why did you choose to begin teaching? From an early age, I have found myself working with children. I knew I had the passion and desire to watch them become successful students.
Finest Teaching Moment. To bring structure and routine to our Autistic Support classroom – to be a constant for my students.
Greatest Challenge. To research and dig deeper to meet the needs of all my students whether academically or behaviorally.
April Winner
Name: Gail
School: Manual Career Tech Center, Kansas City, Kansas
Grade: 6, 7 and 8
Why did you choose to begin teaching?I was the oldest of seven children, so in some ways I’ve been a teacher all my life.
Finest Teaching Moment. Every day is a new day. It’s always rewarding when kids are proud of what they’ve accomplished.
Greatest Challenge. There are too many to name. I find it better to focus on what is working and build from there.
March Winner
Name: Erin
School: St. Anthony of Padua, Lorain, Ohio
Grade: PreK – 8th grade (art and music)
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I chose to teach art and music because I have a passion for both and love to share it with students.
Finest Teaching Moment. Producing on a very successful Christmas concert in my first year of teaching.
Greatest Challenge. Teaching music in middle school. Understanding how to teach the curriculum in order to get them excited about it.
February Winner
Name: Amber
School: Rogers Elementary, Rogers, Texas
Grade: 5 (reading)
Why did you choose to begin teaching? I love bringing fun to learning, but most importantly I want to make a difference in my students’ lives.
Finest Teaching Moment. When any student that struggles with reading finally finds reading enjoyable; they are excited to tell me about books or I see them reading in their spare time.
Greatest Challenge. Time! Time to prepare lessons, grade papers and everything else that needs to be done to make my best effort