Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I desire to make a difference. I work in title 1 schools and love providing my students with a safe environment to express their thoughts and explore that learning can take you anywhere. Even though my students are only 5 and 6 years old I firmly believe that I am providing them with a foundation for life. I teach them that we learn to read and write because it will open the doors to then learn about anything that interests them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My favorite memory of teaching is when one of my students finished the year as a healthy and happy child. She came to me days after moving in with a foster family. She had a very rough background and was found walking the streets on her own. When she first came in she wouldn’t even sit down without having major behavior problems. With a lot of love and patience I was able to redirect her behaviors and help her gain a desire to learn. She’s now 2nd grade’s student of the month!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to help me purchase my first home. My husband and I have always lived in apartments and it would be amazing to have a place of our own.