Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a tough time in school, but had a curiosity for learning. I had a teacher that helped me figure out my way of learning that turned my whole educational experience around. I wanted to do that for other students and I’m loving it.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching about cells and the mitochondria. I got up on the table and was flexing saying the “mighty mito” showing that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. At the end of class one of my girls said to me, “I am not too good at science, but your excitement about it makes me want to learn”. Best compliment ever.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to attend national science teachers conferences, STEM in the Rockies with Steve Spangler, and enhance my STEM classroom with different technologies.