Crystal

Tell us why you became a teacher

To be 100% honest, teaching picked me. I've always enjoyed working with kids and as a mom, it made sense to have a work schedule similar to my children's so that breaks aligned. I truly enjoy getting to know the different personalities of my students, kids are the future so it's important they have an adult who believes in them. I think it's important to teach kids to create new goals to work towards once they've reached theirs. That way they'll always continue growing and learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

For me, seeing a kid make a turn around is one of the most memorable teaching experience. I've had students who constantly had behavior issues, weren't putting forth effort towards academics, hanging out with the wrong kids, etc. Being able to reach those kids & motivate them to turn it around, then see them start working hard in school, distance themselves from kids who will drag them down, make friends who help lift them up, make better choices and just seem happier....those are unforgettable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off the many unexpected debts that are causing me to look for a new job. I am exhausted as a full time teacher to pre-k-5th (I teach the WHOLE school), I have 4 children of my own & I've been picking up hours part time to pay off medical bills from my son's emergency surgery and fix all of the things wrong with my house. It's been nonstop issues the last two years and I would love to pay things off so that I don't need to change careers in order to survive off of one job.