I have always loved to learn and school was an escape for me as a child. At home I was watching the younger kids and finding ways to entertain them. Sometimes I would read to them, or teach them math they hadn't yet learned. When I was old enough to understand that my sister had EBDs, I considered the field of psychology. Later I shifted toward education, thinking of how I could help kids like my sister, in a classroom.

My most memorable teaching experience would have to be teaching summer, two years ago. I had a class of no more than 10 students and they had all failed the state IREAD test by just handful of points. We spent the month practicing essential skills. We also did some really fun things like take hikes, craft, read outside, and enjoy the little things. When it was time to retake the state test, they did so well! Now, two years later, I have some of those same students as 5th graders.

A lot goes through my head with this question. There are some personal, and dear to my heart things I would donate toward.. I would start there. My classroom would be next with the purchase of more flexible seating options, stocking up on essentials, new books for the classroom library, etc. My small family consists of my husband, myself, and our *almost* 5 year old. One thing we prioritize is putting money away for her future. This is a question that really makes you think.