Tell us why you became a teacher

Growth, I have been in the educational setting for many years and was an instructional assistant, behavior specialist, and then made my way to being a teacher in an alternative education setting. I started in a weird time coming back from COVID. I took on in person teaching and online at the same time. I would say all the titles I have had I taught in a way. I just felt like I wanted to continue to work with young minds. I am currently in school to be an administrator.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment in teaching actually was this year. I am still learning and figuring out what teaching methods work and don’t work but I try to be diverse in the classroom and have students engage in different ways because we all learn in our own way: verbally, visually, and so on. I was causally talking to my students and felt like I was not teaching them too much, they responded back saying my class was actually one of their favorites and I even had a student write me a letter.

What would you do with the $25,000?

It sounds cliche but I would obviously get some up to date things for the classroom. We have an old building and some new things can help the students engage and get excited. Depending on when the money is received I would also find vendors to participate in our annual career fair in March to make it the most memorable yet. Not sure if I could use the money personally but if that is an option I would pay off debt so my family and I can get ahead and continue to survive in these tough times.