Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in students' lives and help prepare them for the future. As a computer science teacher, I love sharing skills that are both practical and empowering, like problem-solving, coding, and critical thinking. Teaching allows me to inspire curiosity and creativity while building relationships with students. Seeing their confidence grow as they learn and achieve their goals makes it all worthwhile. It’s rewarding to help shape their paths to succe

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I first started teaching, I taught 6th grade and transitioned with those students to 7th and 8th grades. They were definitely my "babies." My most memorable moment was attending their graduation and seeing how excited they were to see me there. They were so touched that I cared enough to watch them graduate, and it was a special reminder of how much I had helped them along the way. That moment showed me the deep impact teachers can have on their students’ lives.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would start a caring closet at my school to support our low-income students, providing essentials like deodorant, socks, and jackets to help them feel cared for and ready to focus on learning. I would also use a small portion to do something for myself, like taking a trip to the beach. It would be a chance to relax and recharge so I can continue giving my best to my students and my school community.