I knew in second grade that I wanted to be a teacher. Mrs Creel made learning so much fun and engaging. She also saw me-really saw me as a struggling learner and helped me. I knew that year that I wanted to be a “Mrs Creel” for other kids. Now, I find the little “Emily’s” of my classroom who are struggling and go out of my way help them and connect with their families.

This is such a difficult question to answer but just this year I had a student who we identified as a major concern for attendance and academics. In just a marking period and a half she is making so much growth and is on track to be on benchmark! Seeing her comprehend her hard work reflecting in her everyday conversation and knowledge is incredible.

First, I would use $5,000 to enroll in National Boards to become a NBCT! Then I would use some to buy some new-to-us technology for my classroom. Due to budget cuts our chromebooks were taken. With the remaining funds I would start college/trade school savings accounts for my kids.