Tell us why you became a teacher

I am passionate about equipping my students for what the next chapter will bring. Teaching provides me opportunities to be challenged, interact academically and personally with students, create and learn new skills and techniques that will help better engage my students in learning, and just have fun teaching math while holding them to high standards. It’s when students experience those ah-ha moments, not always about math, that make my job fulfilling and worthwhile.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I will never forget seeing a former student out in public several (in our community) years later after having her in class. She ran up to me and asked me if I remembered her. Of course, I did! She was a bit hard to forget! She shared with me that I was her favorite teacher. I replied, “That’s not how I remembered it.” She explained that she now saw that I had high expectations for her and thanked me for what I did in our time together. Wow! Best moment ever!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to finally replace the flooring in my house; I have been working hard to save the money to redesign my personal spaces. Another goal is to pay off some debt. With the remaining funds, I would travel to a few places on my bucket list and connect with friends that don’t live close to me anymore.