Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher for many reasons, but mostly to serve others and to help level the playing field for children of all backgrounds and ability levels. No child should have less of an opportunity for success because their family has less financial ability. No child should be made to feel like they are less because they have different abilities than the status quo. EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN, But they may simply learn differently. I have always taught to all learning modalities in every lesson planned

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I first became a teacher my I lived in a very small town in Alabama. My first job was teaching 1st grade and I was able to loop with the same students and teach them in 3rd and 5th. Instead of the rural school being an obstacle, together with my Principal, the local Co-Op, and great parents we created a garden. A father plowed and students planted. We then incorporated our cross-curricular standards into meaningful education! Several of my “Sugardumplings” are very successful adults today!

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a lifelong teacher money has always been tight, so this would be a huge blessing. I am a breast cancer survivor & would use the money for reconstruction and maybe a long overdue vacation. I can never resist the opportunity to put books and art supplies in the hands of children, so I am sure I would do that as well.