Colossal.org, a public charity, has started a contest all around America called “America’s Favorite Teacher”. For America’s Favorite Teacher contest, teachers register to get into the contest and then answer questions about themselves. The 1st place prize is $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and the winner will appear on Reader’s Digest. Some of the questions contestants asked are; what is your favorite part of being an educator, what your favorite memorable teaching experience is, what makes you an amazing teacher, and what would you do with the $25,000 if you win. The voting for the contestants is; April 18th-25: Top five voting, April 25th-May 2nd: Group Finals, May 3rd-5th: Wildcard Round, May 6th-16th: Quarterfinals, May 17th-23rd: Semifinals, and May 24th-30th: Finals.
Schuyler Community Schools had four contestants; Serena Sanchez, Angela Schwarte, Brante Hayes, and Heather McCurdy. Brante Hayes, a 1st Grade Teacher at Schuyler Elementary School, is currently in 1st place in his group. Mr. Hayes explained that with the prize money he would pay his bills, and help his wife that’s battling Stage 4 Cervical Cancer. “Most people would say their inspiration came from a good teacher, but I became a teacher because of the bad teachers I had,” explained Mr. Hayes. Heather McCurdy, who is no longer in the running, is a middle school teacher at Fishers. Mrs. McCurdy demonstrated dedication, creativity, and impact in her teaching and her students’ learning. “I really pride myself on building a positive learning environment and classroom family feel,” according to Mrs. McCurdy.
Serena Sanchez is a kindergarten teacher at the Elementary School. Ms. Sanchez found out about the contest from Mrs. Schwarte, a Special Ed teacher at Schuyler Central High School. Ms. Sanchez made a poster on Canvas and shared it on Instagram and Facebook. Ms. Sanchez recorded a video about the rules and format of the contest and posted it on Facebook and Instagram for full transparency for the voters. “I told all my family, friends, and boyfriend and they were all supportive and reminding people to vote daily,” shared Ms. Sanchez. At the current level of this competition, Mr. Hayes is the only Schuyler teacher still in the running.
