As a student, I struggled in school. My dyslexia made everyday a challenge, one I felt I would never overcome. I became a teacher to insure all my students have a place they can come to everyday that makes them feel safe, successful and a place they can call home. I want all my students to know that I believe in them everyday.

One of my most memorable teaching experience occurred as I watched a struggling student join our classroom mid year who was unhappy, disconnected from peers and disliking every part of school completely turn it around. In no time at all, this student turned it around by building strong relationships with others at school. He began to encourage others and himself on a daily basics. We can all learn so much from our students.

If I was the lucky person to win the 25,000, I would begin by build the dream classroom for my students. I would ensure our classroom environment meet the needs of all student. The classroom would have flexible seating options, as many books as my kids could read and the best school supplies. There would be no limits to our learning. Then I would continue on by supporting other teachers around me by purchasing items from their Amazon wishlist before the next school year.