Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to be a positive influence in children’s lives. So often teachers can help students to have a sense of self worth and feel like they matter.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student in 2nd grade who struggled with reading a lot. She believed that she was not intelligent and would never learn to read. In researching and trying different methods to teach reading we came across a program that I felt would be beneficial for her. I bought the program from my own pocket. The student was three years behind peers in reading achievement. In one school years she made up two years of that gap. I took her on a victory tour of the school showing the results to all.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Truthfully, I am sure some of it would be spent on my classroom supplies. But I would love to be able to go on a good vacation with my family.