AQS Supports Teachers

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February Winner

Name: Suzana Allen

School:  Lakeview Elementary Design Center

Grades:  Pre-K Special Ed

Why did you choose to begin teaching?  I have always found joy in working with students with special needs. Working with our school’s youngest learners and families is very rewarding. We celebrate growth and progress no matter how big or small.

Finest Teaching Moment.  Having a non-verbal student say, “I love you.”

Greatest Challenge.  Understanding the reasons for challenging behaviors and helping students communicate their needs ans wants in appropriate ways.

January Winner

Name: Stephanie Green

School:  O. H. Stowe Elementary School

Grades:  Kindergarten

Why did you choose to begin teaching? I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with and help kids. Several wonderful teachers positively impacted my life and helped me through some challenging times, and I wanted to be able to do the same for other children and families.

Finest Teaching Moment.  When a boy I had in third grade found me after he graduated high school to tell me that I was the first teacher to ever say anything positive about having him in their class. I’d had a conference with he and his mom and started with all of the good things I saw in him. They both cried because no one to that point had ever had anything but bad things to tell her about him.  He wanted me to know I was the reason he stayed in school and graduated….because I believed in him.

Greatest Challenge.  Getting parents involved at school. I teach at a school where most families live in extreme poverty and have very limited resources. Parents often work more than one job to survive. Many of our families also come from other countries—Mexico, Africa, France, India—so don’t speak English and often feel nervous about coming to school events. I use translation apps to make notes home accessible, and schedule things before, during, and after school to accommodate their schedules as best I can.

December Winner

Name: Melissa Champion

School:  Holly Hills Elementary School

Grades:  Second grade

Why did you choose to begin teaching? I want to make a difference in every young childs’ life. I know that the littles need the most and that’s what led me to become a teacher.

Finest Teaching Moment. One of my finest teaching moments in second grade was watching a student who once doubted their abilities finally believe in themselves. During a challenging lesson, I saw frustration turn into determination as I slowed down, encouraged questions, and celebrated small victories. When that student confidently shared their thinking with the class, their smile said everything—it wasn’t just about getting the right answer, but about realizing they were capable of learning and growing. In that moment, I was reminded that the true impact of teaching lies in building confidence, fostering resilience, and helping students see their own potential. I truly love what I do!

Greatest Challenge. My greatest challenge is not having all the materials I need to make the most out of my classroom. I would love to have a bigger budget to ensure my students needs are met.

November Winner

Name: Kate Belinsky

School:  California Academy of Learning Charter School

Grades:   First grade

Why did you choose to begin teaching? I have always worked with children, going back all the way to middle school volunteering with my school’s music programs. When I sat down to talk with my parents about what I wanted to go to college for, teaching was my first thought. It is my greatest blessing to put in the work and make sure that my students have the best chances they can.

Finest Teaching Moment.  I was helping out in a kindergarten class early in my career, teaching lessons about sentence structure. After a few days, as I was asking review questions of sentence starters and endings, that a struggling student answered my question correctly and loudly exclaimed “I’M LEARNING!” with the biggest smile on his face that I have ever seen. It has been the biggest core memory I have had teaching and will always stick with me.

Greatest Challenge.  As a neurodivergent teacher, my biggest challenge is navigating my teaching styles to reach every student in my class. I always feel like I am falling short reaching every student in my class, even though I know that I am. I have a wonderful support system at my school with our principal and fellow teachers who are always there to remind me that I am meeting my goals and helping my student be the best that they can.

October Winner

Name: Ariana Sokolowski

School:  Del Valle Elementary

Grades:   Pre-K

Why did you choose to begin teaching?  I’ve wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten. Throughout my education, all of the wonderful and inspiring teachers I had further confirmed that I wanted to be a teacher myself. Now I get to live that dream every day. My students give me purpose in life. Their growth and excitement for learning truly fulfill me. I love supporting them both in and out of the classroom, attending their events, and celebrating their accomplishments. The relationships I build with my students and their families are what make teaching so special and meaningful to me.

Finest Teaching Moment.  In Pre-K, I get to experience my finest teaching moments every single day. Whether it’s helping a child recognize and manage their emotions, guiding them through sharing and taking turns, or celebrating a new academic skill like writing their name or counting to ten. Seeing my Pre-K students at the end of the year and realizing how much they’ve grown academically, socially, and emotionally, and watching them leave ready for kindergarten fills me with pride. The best part is seeing those same students years later, on their way to middle school, and knowing I was part of their foundation.

Greatest Challenge. The greatest challenge of teaching pre-k is meeting each child where they are, since they all come to school with different experiences, skills, and needs. Some are just learning to hold a pencil or share with others, while others are already reading letters and numbers. Balancing these differences while keeping learning fun and engaging can be tough. There are also big emotions and short attention spans to manage. However, watching them grow in confidence, independence, curiosity, and academically makes every challenge worth it and reminds me why I love teaching this age group.

September Winner

Name: Marissa Sandoval

School:  Vela Middle School

Grades:   8; math and algebra 

Why did you choose to begin teaching?  Being a teacher is something I’ve dreamed of since childhood. Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to have exceptional teachers and coaches who truly saw me, believed in me, and helped shape who I am today. Their passion, encouragement, and dedication left a lasting impression on me. So much so that I knew I wanted to be that kind of influence on others. Teaching, for me, is not just a job… it is my calling. It is my hope that each day I step into the classroom that I carry with me the lessons and inspiration of those who came before me, and I strive to pass that on to my students.

Finest Teaching Moment.  My finest teaching moments happen at the end of each school year when our high school seniors walk the halls of their elementary and middle school classes, dressed in their caps and gowns. The stories they share, the memories they hold on to, and the light in their eyes is by far the finest moments of teaching. Some have come back after graduating with their bachelors, with words of gratitude, and the excitement of sharing their next chapter with me.

Greatest Challenge. Teaching middle school math, my greatest challenge is convincing students that they CAN be “math people”. Often times they’ve given up and lost confidence in their abilities. My challenge, year after year, is building trust and creating enough buy in to empower them, motivate them & prove to them that they are capable of incredible things.

August Winner

Name: Kate Peck

School:  Brookside Elementary

Grades:  K-2  

Why did you choose to begin teaching?  Growing up in an environment where teaching was valued, combined with my personal experience, gives me a unique perspective. I chose teaching because of my mother’s profound influence on my life as a teacher. Her dedication to helping me overcome my reading challenges inspired me to make a difference in others’ lives. My mother’s dedication to helping me learn showed me the profound impact a teacher can have on a student’s life. I want to provide that same support and encouragement to students, helping them navigate their learning journeys. My personal experiences have shaped my passion for fostering a love of learning and positively impacting the classroom.

Finest Teaching Moment. One of my most memorable teaching moments occurred last year when I worked with a second-grade English Language student in reading intervention who struggled to recognize his letters and sounds. Despite the challenges, he always approached our sessions with a joyful attitude and a readiness to learn. Throughout the year, his hard work paid off as he made remarkable progress, eagerly bringing books home to read to his parents. As the school year drew to a close, I suggested he read to his first-grade teacher. To my surprise, he excitedly responded, “Yes!” When I encouraged him to ask her, he boldly approached her and requested to read to the entire first-grade class! I was astonished. Just a year earlier, he had been in a non-speaking phase, and now he stood confidently in front of twenty first graders, sharing a book he loved. Witnessing his transformation—from hesitance to pride—was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced the power of perseverance and the supportive learning environment we cultivated together. Moments like this remind me why I love teaching and the profound impact we can have on our students’ live

Greatest Challenge.  One of the greatest teaching challenges is meeting the diverse needs of all students in a single classroom. Each child comes with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Balancing differentiated instruction while keeping everyone engaged can be daunting. Additionally, some students may face external challenges that affect their learning, such as emotional or social issues.

Creating an inclusive environment where every student feels supported and valued takes ongoing effort and creativity. It requires not only adapting lessons but also building strong relationships with each student to understand their individual needs. Finding ways to inspire and motivate all learners while fostering a sense of community can be a complex but essential part of effective teaching.

July Winner

Name: Ding Abe

School:  Honouliuli Middle School

Grades:  Middle School Science  

Why did you choose to begin teaching?  To inspire and help make a difference (whether small or big) in the lives of my students.

Finest Teaching Moment. Seeing a student realize their potential and making the change to do so.

Greatest Challenge.  Inspiring students who lack self motivation.

June Winner

Name: Delaney Young

School:  The Field School

Grades: 2nd

Why did you choose to begin teaching? My first year teaching, I was living in France as a TAPIF assistant and teaching English to middle schoolers. Though I had originally enrolled in the program simply because I wanted to live in France, I quickly fell in love with the job and realized it was my calling. It was so exciting to realize the impact I had on students as their teacher and wield that influence to the benefit of their thriving and long-term success.

Finest Teaching Moment.  At the beginning of last school year, I taught my students Mother Theresa’s phrase, “Do little things with great love.” For the rest of the year, I heard them reference this quote in conversations with me, their parents, and their peers. It gave them language for conversations about friendship, respect for authority, integrity, and choosing to do the right thing. It became a tool and a metric that helped them love each other better and live more intentionally. It is my goal to do precisely that for my students, and it’s so rewarding when I see the fruits of my labor.

Greatest Challenge.  Exhaustion. To be a teacher is to play several roles simultaneously: mother, nurse, counselor, conflict mediator, mentor, coach, friend, and educator. It is difficult to discern which of those roles to activate in a certain situation, and which priorities need to be set aside for the sake of the students’ needs. I end each day feeling so tired from this constant gear shifting. I wish that schools had more resources for teachers to that we could outsource these roles to actual trained professionals (licensed counselors, nurses, etc.).

May Winner

Name: Mindi Krase

School:  Powers Elementary School

Grades: 1st – 3rd

Why did you choose to begin teaching? I always wanted to be a teacher. I love kids, music and teaching and am able to combine these passions in my job as an elementary music educator. Music is a way that students can express themselves in ways that other academic subjects may not allow. Students with disabilities are able to thrive in the music classroom and feel success that they may not feel elsewhere. Music also allows a safe spot for students who may be going through difficult times or have been exposed to trauma.

Finest Teaching Moment. It’s hard to limit the finest teaching moment. My favorite moment is when students have the “a-ha” moment. I am incredibly proud of them everyday and my finest moment is when former students continue to pursue music after they leave the elementary classroom. I love going to see former students perform.

Greatest Challenge. My greatest challenge is time. I only have my students once every six school days which makes it more difficult to teach them everything that I’d like. I also like to know my students on a personal level and having them every six school days makes that more difficult. I find ways to talk to them in the cafeteria, in the bus lines and creating time during class. Building relationships with students is imperative – they have to present for students to trust you and learn from you.

April Winner

Name: Amy Schultz

School:  Needville High School

Grades: 10th, 11th

Why did you choose to begin teaching?  I worked in a chemical lab and was really bored with my job. My high school principal told me to come teach; he thought it would be a good fit for me. So I did and I love it!

Finest Teaching Moment.  Winning state in volleyball with my daughter and nieces on the team.

Greatest Challenge. Motivating the unmotivated student and getting parents to understand how important their role is at home

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