Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my 5th grade teacher inspired me to be the "class principal," igniting my passion for leadership & learning at a young age. Since I was 10, I've aspired to be an educator. Watching children grow & learn brings me immense joy. I had such a positive learning experience in my home district & I love nothing more than to give back to my community in the very same way.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experiences are the moments when I see the light bulb go off on a student's face as they grasp a new concept. The look of understanding and excitement is priceless. Additionally, encouraging children to embrace their curiosity and ask questions about anything they wonder about has created countless memorable/impressive moments. These experiences remind me of the joy and impact of teaching. I truly learn something new every day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were named America's favorite teacher and received reward money, I would invest in enhancing my classroom resources, such as updated technologies, books, & flexible seating. Additionally, I would create a fund to support extracurricular activities and provide more opportunities for my students to explore their interests/needs, like sports clubs or homework clubs. Finally, I would set aside some money to support my high school/middle school volleyball program’s booster club.