Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I was miserable with my last job. I had an opportunity to teach on an emergency certification and I figured it was worth a shot. I fell in love with the job and the students. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have a student with severe anxiety. This student had a panic attack in my class. I was able to get them out, but they sat on the floor in the hallway, just shut down. I sat with them in the hallway until the panic attack calmed down and talked about life until they were ready to go back to class.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Boring answer: pay off debt. Maybe take vacation with my wife (also an educator). We have not taken a vacation just the two of us in the 6 years we have been married. So I think we would take some of that money and go away for a week or two.