Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I had an amazing 4th grade teacher and a terrible 10th grade teacher… as someone who loves learning and community, I knew I could provide unconditional love while modeling the curiosity and perseverance it takes to succeed. I’ve stayed for the creativity, connection, and satisfaction of seeing kids do what they thought they couldn’t as well as the immense personal growth found in relationship. Teaching rocks!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Teaching 5th grade in LAUSD as a long-term sub, I walked into a physical bullying situation among the girls in a class of students that were used to low expectations. I worked on relationships with conferences and council circles and students began to support each other. The bully ended up leaving and I received a letter from the bully’s sidekick apologizing and expressing regret for the hurt she had enabled. It helped me see how necessary and powerful allyship is.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Make donations of $3500 each to my school, Planned Parenthood, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Invest the remainder in repairs to our home (new roof or new paint or solar).