Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher when I was 30. I went back to school and achieved my Masters Degree. I knew that I wanted my life's work to mean something and that I could be proud of. Throughout my time as a teacher I have been witness to countless students first moments as a reader and how empowering that is. Reading opens the world and imaginations up for all. Students who used to have to rely on others to read to them, transition to people who enjoy reading and deciding what they like/don't like.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have been fortunate to have many memorable teaching experiences. One of my favorites is during the Spring of 2020 when we all went home. We were trying to figure out how we were going to conduct our reading groups online. My teammate and I decided to record ourselves reading the 3 different chapter books and then assigning them to the students. It was a way for our students to still see us every day, they could still have their routines of school, and their different needs were still met.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000 I would travel with my family during the summer and record my experiences for my classroom. It would be a series of virtual field trips. In our curriculum we are learning about multiple ancient civilizations, and I would love to have videos for them to see. Knowing the 5 components of civilizations, it would be fun and exciting to go and identify the relics and remains of those civilizations. I am grateful for any opportunity to make things more engaging for my students.