Tell us why you became a teacher

I come from a long line of teachers. My mother taught 35 years at the secondary level. I have many cousins that have also been teachers. I always thought teaching was such life changing vocation. Students would see my mother in public and be excited to see her. I wanted to make a difference as she had.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many memorable moments. I think the most meaningful was when I taught in Amarillo. I had nine different languages in my classroom. I enjoyed watching and hearing the tiny second grade voices peer tutor each other. It amazed me that students could learn English in 8 months. Or, when I had students that bring me a handwritten note or picture, because they couldn't purchase a gift. Those items are priceless.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win $25,000, I would want to donate a portion of the amount to each Special Education teacher in my school district. As a SPED teacher I know how hard it is to have the right book, or activity for all of our sweet students. I would invest the remaining amount.