Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

While I was serving in the military, I was an instructor for my career field. I realized the joy I had every day, building relationships with my students and having them have that "a-ha!" moment when they figured out a concept. I wanted to keep that feeling going after my military service and moved into a fulfilling career as a biology teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

While teaching an Environmental Science class, I took students out on a nature walk to focus on bird watching and identification. Using their phones and binoculars, I had them load an app that would help them identify birds they saw while on our hikes. The excitement they had when we got back into the classroom was electric.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would likely put that money towards my school to buy or repair microscopes and bolster our science department budget. With the first letter in STEAM standing for science, I want to make sure our students are well equipped for their educational journey.