Tell us why you became a teacher

I was a student who struggled. I had great grades but worked so hard for them. My parents saw my struggle but I hid it well from my teachers. I never wanted kids to feel the same way I did. I wanted to reach them and see what was inside not just on the outside. I knew teaching was the way to do that and I embrace that everyday!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching in a small private school blocks from a major airport on 9-11. I had the radio playing in the background not knowing what we were all about to hear. The interruption of the twin towers collapsing and a terrorist attack was not something you are taught about in school. I instantly had a class full of students crying and looking to me for protection. We cried and dealt with it together. Those students taught me more than day than I will ever teach them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I will use it towards tuition. I am currently working on my doctoral degree in special education with an emphasis in literacy. I am extremely passionate about grade appropriate interventions for older students still struggling with foundational reading skills.