Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I was volunteering and helping out at my son's school. In the mornings, I was helping him and all kiddos have a great start to their day. One day the vp came and told me he was hiring me. He said, "We need you to be ours full time." The light and joy I feel when helping kiddos is contagious.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In my first years teaching, I worked with preschool children with special needs. A nonverbal child with downs syndrome spoke her first word with me. A boy who was blind, nonverbal, nonmobile, and autistic took his first steps and learned to feed himself. These powerful first moments of success and triumph solidified my love of teaching. Helping guide and be a part in kiddos achieving their goals and succeed is the most memorable and meaningful experience.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in my kiddo's future and secure her path to success. Teaching is not the most profitable profession, but it is the most rewarding in my mind. The money would help to secure my child's education and ensure her future success.