Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I was a horrible student. I moved a lot (military), acted out, and felt lost on my best days. It wasn’t until college that a professor said they believed I could do it. It was at that moment I realized what a difference it would have made in my life if someone had only said that when I was younger. So, I became that teacher. It isn’t just the curriculum. It is the support, mentorship, encouragement, love and consistency. It is showing up when everyone else has given up

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I started teaching in Philadelphia, I started in the spring after their beloved teacher left. It was difficult finding my way into their lives. I ended up looping to 6th grade with them because of budget cuts. About mid-year, the students themselves asked me to loop to 7th. My heart had never felt so full. It was then that I knew I had found my place with them. After 7th? They asked me to loop to 8th! By the end of that year we were family. And for many, over 17 years later, we still are.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly, the first thing would be a party for my students! I promised them something special! Then I would add books to our classroom library (we don’t have an actual library at our school). After that? I’d like to be able to pay off my bills, make much needed repairs to my house, and put some into savings for myself and my daughters.