Tell us why you became a teacher

I was inspired by my teachers to become one myself. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other. My teachers were embedded in the community and I wanted the same. I live in my childhood home, teach in my childhood district and now I send my own children to the same schools I went to. I ignite curiosity in my students. Curiosity fuels education. I have transitioned from a traditional teacher to creating a curiosity driven coding and robotics curriculum. I truly love teaching.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first robotics lesson (3 years ago) I spent countless hours learning how to code and maneuver the LEGO eduction software. I was no longer an expert in the classroom. I was facilitating learning and sparking curiosity. I distributed the robotics kits to my class and showed the students how to access the instructions. Before I knew it students had their projects built, coded and were chasing their creations across the room. I knew I belonged in this new role trying innovative activities daily.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I live in an 1865 farmhouse that is my family home. I would dedicate some of the money to some much needed TLC that it needs. However, I would dedicate most of it to traveling with my 2 children. I would love to take my kids on a summer journey across the country to ignite their own curiosity. Experiencing the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park with them would be amazing! This money would allow me to take a step back from working summer school and travel with my kids.