Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a music educator to follow in the footsteps of my high school band director. In the four years I was fortunate to know him, he was battling cancer. Band was always a safe and welcoming space. We were a family. The last thing my teacher told me was that I would make a great music educator one day. He passed away shortly before my college audition. I have never forgotten his words, and hope to create a safe learning environment and community in my classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I began my career three years ago, I faced the challenge of teaching one hundred middle schoolers how to play an instrument, read music, and play in an ensemble. While trying to rebuild a band program that had been hurt from the pandemic, I was faced with a bigger challenge: building a community of learners. Each day with these students was memorable, but their first concert (and for some, their last in middle school) was an experience I was able to share with the students.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use this money to replace instruments in our school. We have many broken instruments, and I would like to be able to supply my students with equipment that works properly. If a student cannot afford to rent an instrument due to financial hardship, they could borrow from the school without having to learn on an instrument in poor condition. I would also use this money to replace instruments used in General Music, such as the ukuleles.