Teacher Appreciation Week Survey Winner

This year during Teacher Appreciation Week, Free to Teach hosted a survey to learn more about Pennsylvania’s teachers – straight from the source! Every participating educator was entered into a drawing for a $150 Target gift card.

After receiving more than 1,000 responses, Alanna S. from Lancaster County was chosen as the winner!

Alanna has been teaching in Pennsylvania for more than 22 years in Special Education. Her motivation to help others is what led her to the profession. She always knew she wanted to work with children, so initially she considered social work, but the call to be a teacher won her over.

As an educator, Alanna believes that most kids intuitively want to learn and do well in school, but there are always factors outside the classroom that impact what students produce. Additionally, Alanna believes there are mandates and requirements that aren’t always in the best interest of the children and their needs.

If she could give any advice to new teachers, or those looking to join education, it would be to, “Hang on and hang in! Your first year teaching is about survival, but once you get through that you learn the ropes and become more comfortable and effective.”

Congratulations, Alanna, and thanks to all the educators that participated! We will be posting the survey results and highlights soon.