Tell us why you became a teacher

I would love to tell an inspirational story, but I became a teacher by chance really! I always have loved literature and had an English degree; I saw a teaching ad in a local newspaper…so I applied. I was currently a flight attendant at the time, so teaching was going to be a big change for me! An administrator took a chance on me, and here I am twenty years later!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In 2014-2015, I was nominated for our local county’s high school teacher of the year and was entered into the regional level competition. I won at that level too, and I was eventually nominated as one of the nine Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists. This was such an honor, and I was truly humbled to be one of the best teachers in our state. However, all of the students celebrated me and this huge accomplishment at a pep rally! Blue Bell Ice Cream delivered ice cream to every student!!!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am not sure how I would spend the $25,000, but I’d love to start a scholarship at my school for students with learning disabilities since I have taught Special Education students for the last fifteen years.