Tell us why you became a teacher

At an early age, I was helping teach dance classes. I had a student who struggled deeply and I was consistently off to the side with them working. One day, she mastered a “draw back” with clear crisp sounds. As soon as she did it, she LIT up with pride and excitement (as well as me). It was in that moment that I wanted to help students feel that for the rest of my life. I immediately knew I was going to be a teacher and never strayed from that path.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I think the example above is probably my most favorite and most memorable. However, since becoming a teacher, I get notes from students all the time. I will hang them occasionally and switch them out. This helps bring me joy and memories of previous students. One day a student returned with a cousin for open house and saw her note hanging by my desk. She got so excited and asked “How do you even remember me?!” Students should feel seen and memorable and I’m happy that I was able to give that!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I would start with a family vacation because there’s nothing more that I cherish than spending time with my family, especially on vacation and special experiences. But then what is left, would likely be invested into furthering my education so I can continue to be the best I can be in the classroom. If there’s anything left, I would love to provide more manipulatives, flexible seating, and social emotional regulation tools for in my classroom.