Achievable Awards 2026: An interview with LeeAnn Caradine

Every year, the Achievable Awards celebrate educators who are making a meaningful difference across their fields, from independent tutoring and admissions counseling to classroom teaching. We’re proud to highlight LeeAnn Caradine, a California-based educator and the 2026 winner of our Best Teacher award, who truly exemplifies this impact.

LeeAnn is a third-grade teacher recognized for her creative and innovative teaching style. In her classroom, she makes subjects like science exciting through hands-on activities, while fostering a caring, supportive environment where every student can thrive. By integrating STEAM, experiential, and project-based learning, she empowers students to challenge themselves and take an active role in their education.

What does “excellence in education” mean to you?

Excellence in education, to me, is about creating a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success. It looks like strong relationships; knowing my students beyond academics, understanding their strengths, their challenges, and what motivates them. When students trust me and each other, they’re more willing to take risks, ask questions, and fully engage in learning. It also means making learning meaningful and connected to the real world.

I want my students to see themselves in what they’re learning and understand how it applies beyond the classroom. Through hands-on, collaborative experiences, especially in STEAM, I aim to spark curiosity and build confidence in their ability to think critically and solve problems. Excellence is holding high expectations while providing the support each student needs to meet them. It’s not about perfection, but about growth: academic, social, and emotional. When my students leave my classroom more confident, more curious, and more prepared to navigate the world around them, that’s how I know I’ve done my job well. It also means continuing to grow as an educator. Excellence requires me to reflect on my practice, expand my knowledge, and continually seek out ways to improve my instruction so I can better serve my students.

What motivated you to become an educator?

I was motivated to become an educator because I’ve seen firsthand the impact a caring, consistent adult can have on a child’s life. I wanted to be that person; the one who not only teaches content, but also builds confidence, creates a sense of belonging, and helps students see their own potential.

My path to education is rooted in service. After serving in the military, I made the decision to continue serving my community in a different way, through education. While the setting changed, the mission stayed the same: to support, guide, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I’m especially driven by the belief that all students deserve access to meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Through hands-on, real-world learning, especially in STEAM, I aim to spark curiosity and help students see what they’re capable of. What continues to motivate me are the relationships I build and the growth I see in my students. When a student gains confidence, takes a risk, or realizes their own potential, it reinforces why I chose this path and why this work matters.

What subjects and grades do you teach, and what’s your favorite part about teaching them?

I currently teach 3rd grade, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades. I don’t have a favorite grade level; each one brings something unique. What I value most is finding ways, at every age, to spark curiosity and help students build a genuine passion for learning. I teach across core subjects, and my favorite part of teaching is creating meaningful, engaging experiences that connect to students’ lives. Whether it’s hands-on learning, collaboration, or problem-solving, I enjoy helping students see themselves as capable learners and thinkers. Watching that moment when something “clicks” or when a student becomes excited about learning; that’s the most rewarding part for me.

How would you describe your teaching style, and how do you approach your work in the classroom?

I would describe my teaching style as structured, supportive, and engaging. I am firm and consistent with expectations because I believe students thrive when they know the routines, boundaries, and standards for success. At the same time, my classroom is a warm and positive environment where students feel supported and cared for. I like to balance rigor with joy. I often tell my students that we work before we play, and they understand that learning comes first.

Once expectations are met, I make space for fun, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences that keep students engaged and excited. In my classroom, I approach my work with the mindset that relationships and structure go hand in hand. I am consistent and direct, but my students know I care deeply about them, and I hold them accountable because I believe in their potential. My goal is to create a classroom where students feel safe, challenged, and motivated to do their best every day.

Who or what made the biggest impact on you during your educational and professional journey?

I can’t point to a single teacher who made the biggest impact on my educational journey, and I’ve often reflected on that. In many ways, that experience shaped my decision to become an educator. It made me more aware of how important it is for students to feel seen, supported, and remembered by the adults in their classrooms. Rather than one defining influence, my path has been shaped by my own experiences over time, both in education and through my professional journey, including my service in the military. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to service, structure, and making a positive impact on others. Because of this, I am very intentional in my own classroom. I make it a priority to build strong relationships with my students from day one, learn who they are beyond academics, and ensure every student feels valued and included. I also intentionally create a structured, consistent environment paired with engaging, meaningful learning experiences, so students feel both supported and challenged. I approach teaching with the goal of being the kind of educator I wish every student could remember: someone who made them feel capable, cared for them as individuals, and helped them recognize their own potential.

How did your personal background and past experiences shape the teacher you are today?

My personal background and lived experiences have profoundly shaped the teacher I am today. As a former foster youth, someone who has experienced the loss of a family member to violence, and someone who has navigated a series of difficult life circumstances, I understand firsthand how instability and trauma can impact a young person’s ability to learn, trust, and thrive. Because of this, I do not view education as just a profession; it is a mission. I am highly intentional about creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and valued. I understand that every interaction has the potential to ignite confidence, encourage growth, or provide stability during challenging times. These experiences allow me to recognize when students may be struggling in ways that are not always visible academically, and they push me to respond with empathy, patience, and consistency. I am committed to building meaningful relationships and creating space for healing, growth, and success.

Ultimately, my background fuels my purpose and dedication to serve my community with authenticity and compassion. It shapes my belief that I bring a unique perspective to teaching, one that goes beyond the textbook. I strive to make learning meaningful and memorable, adapt to the needs of every student, and leave a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those I teach.

At the end of the school year, what are the most important things you hope students will take away?

At the end of the school year, the most important things I hope students take away are confidence in themselves as learners, a sense of belonging, and a belief that they are capable of success. I want them to leave my classroom knowing that their voice matters, their ideas are valuable, and that they can solve problems, think critically, and grow through challenges. I also hope they carry with them a love of learning and curiosity about the world around them, especially through meaningful, hands-on experiences that help them connect learning to real life. Equally important, I want students to understand the value of equity and inclusion; respecting differences, embracing diverse perspectives, and recognizing that everyone deserves access to opportunities and support to succeed. I want them to leave my classroom not only as stronger students, but as kind, thoughtful, and respectful members of their community.

What’s one piece of advice you always give your students?

One piece of advice I always give my students is to think about how they want to be remembered. I ask them, “What kind of person do you want others to say you are?” This encourages them to be mindful of their choices, their actions, and how they treat others each day. I also remind them that in life, things will get hard, but those hard moments don’t define them. What matters is their ability to keep going, to problem-solve, and to believe in themselves even when things feel challenging. I want them to understand that struggle is a part of growth, and they are always capable of getting through difficult situations and coming out stronger on the other side. My goal is for students to leave my classroom knowing that their character matters just as much as their academics, and that they have the resilience to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward.

You can learn more about LeeAnn on Achievable’s website.