Tell us why you became a teacher

I started as an EA while raising my son as a single mom, and I quickly fell in love with helping kids learn and grow. Seeing their progress, resilience, and excitement for learning inspired me to become a teacher. I wanted to create a safe, supportive space where students feel valued, encouraged, and capable of achieving their dreams. Teaching is more than a job to me—it’s a passion, a purpose, and a way to make a lasting impact on my students’ lives.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have several! BUT One of my most memorable teaching moments was with a student who started the year unsure and always looking for help. They lacked confidence and hesitated to try on their own. Through encouragement and hands-on learning, they grew into one of my top young scientists—asking questions, testing ideas, and leading experiments. Watching their transformation from hesitant to independent was truly inspiring.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With a $25,000 teacher reward, I’d invest in classroom resources, books, technology, and hands-on projects. I’d also fund field trips and further my professional development to enhance my students’ learning experience.