Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to inspire the youth of today to reach for the stars and to realize their potential in the future.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I remember greeting a mom with her son at a parent-teacher conference. The mom was very nervous about her home-schooled child entering an urban public school. I promised her that I would teach her son the same as if he were one of my children. Within a few months the mom was singing my praises and was referring other parents to request me as their children's teacher. End of story, the son learned to have fun learning and went on to be accepted into a prestigious magnet high school.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Wow! If I could win $25,000, I would use a portion of the money to supplement the cost of school supplies and fieldtrips for my students. Then, I would use a portion to help pay down student loans, and finally, I would treat myself to a spa day and some new outfits.