A teacher from Watson Elementary School in North Las Vegas, Lisa Smith, stands out among her peers as she competes for the America’s Favorite Teacher award, organized by Teach for America. Smith, who specializes in teaching special education students, has made it to the quarterfinals of the competition, representing Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prize and Motivation

Should Smith emerge victorious, she stands to gain more than just recognition. The winner of the America’s Favorite Teacher award receives a substantial $25,000 prize, along with the opportunity for a photoshoot and article feature in Reader’s Digest. Additionally, they are rewarded with a luxurious six-day vacation in Maui. However, what sets Smith apart is her selfless intention behind the prize money.

Giving Back to Students

Expressing her heartfelt motivation, Smith revealed her plans to utilize the prize money to support her students in need. She empathizes with those who face challenges similar to what she experienced growing up. I know there are some students that don’t have a jacket during the winter time or, you know, their shoes are worn,” Smith shared with NEWS.ORG 5. “That’s where I want the money to go. I want some of the money to go to that. Because I was that student.”

Teaching with Compassion

Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Smith’s teaching philosophy is rooted in kindness and empathy. She fosters an environment where her students not only excel academically but also grow into compassionate individuals. When questioned about her teaching approach, Smith emphasized her focus on instilling values of kindness. “The students, they’ll come in and say, ‘Hey Miss Smith, I opened the door for this person today.’ Okay, you get points. But we do talk about not doing things to get something,” she elaborated.

How to Support Lisa Smith

For those inspired by Lisa Smith’s dedication and wish to support her in the competition, they can visit the designated voting page.

In a world where educators often go unrecognized for their tireless efforts, Lisa Smith’s journey to the America’s Favorite Teacher award serves as a beacon of hope and appreciation for the teaching community.

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