Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn’t want to be a teacher, at first. I was burnt out after spending years on my undergrad degree, dealing with a school closing unexpectedly and credits not transferring. I didn’t have it in my heart to go to med school anymore. I applied for a teaching job, thinking “how hard can it be.” Hard. It’s hard. But the community inspired me to keep going. The kids keep me going. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Forces and motion is always my favorite subject to teach. Usually we do the typical egg car assignment, but this year I switched it up. We made zip lines using craft supplies and Elf on the Shelf dolls. The kids were so into it. I have my principals son in my class this year and this was the day he happened to pop in. The kids were so excited to explain to him what we were doing and why. The chaos coupled with the learning made it a great experience!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m not entirely sure. I have a lot of student loans due to some unfortunate college experiences, my husband and I are adopting to young boys from foster care making us a family of 5, and I live in a low income community. $25,000 would mean a bit of financial security to my family as well as provide us with the opportunity to stock up my classroom. I teach in a school that is greatly lacking science equipment. I was blessed to get some microscopes donated, but more equipment is always needed.