Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

To be fully transparent, I never wanted to be a teacher. I watched my mother struggle day in and day out as a result of educators being drastically underpaid. It certainly didn't drive me to pursue the profession. I stumbled into the education field after graduating with an art degree. I figured it would help me jumpstart my art career, and I would give it 5 years and then find something better. But it hooked me. The kids hooked me. 18 years later, I can't imagine doing anything more fulfilling.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Honestly, my most memorable teaching experience has been reaching those students who lost their way in life. I’ve taught in Title 1 schools for my 18 year career, and so many students face challenges we can’t fathom. Sometimes they just need a mentor to show them that there’s more to life than what they know at home. Of all the students that have crossed my path, the ones who didn’t think they would make it are my proudest stories.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Being a teacher isn’t always glamorous, especially in the financial department. Some of the $25000 would go to funding art projects, some would pay off debt, and some would provide some fun times with my own children. My kids have always wanted to go to Disney World.