Tell us why you became a teacher

Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian and I went to Cornell University majoring in Animal Science. I was a teaching assistant for several classes and I really enjoyed helping others learn new material. I got a job as a research technician after I graduated and then decided to go back to get my Masters in Teaching.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is the year I had a student missing from the state final exam. I eventually found out he was in a special setting due to his diabetes. The guidance counselor told me that it was because of my biology class that he found out he had diabetes. The human body unit in our curriculum is really important for everyone. It was really rewarding to find out that my class made a difference and allowed him to ask his doctor and push for a diagnosis.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of the money to buy science equipment for my classroom. There’s never enough money in the budget to buy the tools for gel electrophoresis and 3 -D models. The rest of the money would go to help my own children pay off their college debt.