Tell us why you became a teacher

My why to becoming a teacher daunted on me when I was in elementary school. I volunteered my time to support students with special needs. Students in the classroom who were driven to learn academics, social skills, and how to cope with their behavior. Their challenges showed great strides in progress, no matter how big or small the progress was. Their determination impacted their role in society and create opportunities for them, they needed guidance to get there. I wanted to help them get there

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I will never forget as a first year educator, how excited a student was able to read because of the time I took to understand the student’s disability and what they needed to accommodate their learning. She told me, “I can read!”, and I gave her a high five and ended up crying. I was so proud of her that I could help her find her potential to read and carried on what was best for her. From a different employer, I got an update that because of her progress, she will be exiting special education.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With 25,000 dollars, I would love to pay off the loans that got me through schooling to be in my dream job. I could have the financial freedom to focus on my future family that my husband and I are planning for, hopefully coming along very soon.