Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I’m passionate about helping others grow. My own teachers inspired me by guiding me through challenges, and in college, I had a professor who taught me to see students with disabilities as individuals with unique gifts to offer the world. This shaped my mission to empower all students, embrace their potential, and create an inclusive environment where strengths are celebrated.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments was working with a 5th-grade student who was deaf. She was nervous about giving a presentation to her class, but with collaboration between her, her aide, and me, we built her confidence and prepared together. On presentation day, she proudly shared her work, and her classmates were so engaged. Seeing her shine and fostering teamwork to make it happen was incredibly rewarding and reminded me why I became a teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25,000, I’d invest in resources to make virtual learning more engaging and accessible for my 5th-grade special education students. I’d create interactive lessons with assistive technology, provide adaptive tools to support their unique needs, and offer enrichment activities like virtual field trips. I’d also fund professional development to grow as an educator and donate to initiatives supporting inclusion and equity in education, ensuring all students thrive.