Teacher tries to make $1 million at PSU | State

Participants are nominated and then randomly selected from the faculty pool. Sporer, a Wellsboro School District teacher for 24 years, received her nomination from one of her students.

“One of my seventh graders, Fenn, nominated me because we have a mutual respect for both academics and athletics. Also, he knows how competitive I am both in the classroom and on the field as he shares the same level of competitiveness and passion for school and sports,” Sporer said.

Sporer has goals for the funds if she wins the challenge.

The school district, like many districts, is responding to a drop in test performance due to COVID-19. Some of the funding could go toward extra tuition for students to improve scores, Sporer said.

Sporer would also like to see funding for mental health resources across the district, specifically trauma-informed education for students and professional learning opportunities for teachers.

As a K-8 Enrichment teacher, Sporer is passionate about funding gifted students.

“In our North Central PA corridor, there is a paradigm shift in the delivery of services to our gifted students; that is my passion,” Sporer said.

The school district is committed to building partnerships with the community, including coordinating with a local university and neighborhood business to host academic competitions and create school-to-work opportunities.

Additional opportunities may be in store for STEM and vocational students. The district is already looking to invest in a 3D printer. Sporer offers an additional opportunity: creating a pathway for students to earn trades and healthcare certifications and the ability to transition from school to work while in high school.

Sporer will take his try at half time.