Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I’ve always been a kid at heart. I’ve always connected with children. In high school I got to walk down to the elementary wing and be a teacher’s aide for about 30 minutes every day. I enjoyed that VERY much because not only was my aunt the teacher, but I realized I was making a positive impact in someone else’s life. After that, I knew I wanted that feeling for the rest of my life. I had to do something that I was passionate about and believed in to my very core!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many memorable students, events, funny stories, technology mishaps, epic failures, or acts of kindness that I could share. However our profession doesn’t always let us see what kind of impact we make on a young person.You never know what your words or actions, whether good or bad, stick with a student. So what’s most memorable to me is when a former student takes the time to come back and see me. That’s when I know I’ve done something good in my small little corner of the universe.

What would you do with the $25,000?

This is by far the easiest question I’ve answered today! First I’d do something special for my current students as they are the absolute BEST class I’ve had in my 21 year career!!! Then, I’d take my wife on her bucket list vacation to Italy. I wouldn’t be the person, or the teacher, I am today without her by my side. Paying it forward is how we honor our blessings in this life.