Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Jett, made me feel so cared for when I came to school from day one. I wanted to replicate that same warm, welcoming experience for kids so they would look forward to going to school everyday like I did. Hence, I became a kindergarten teacher just like Mrs. Jett! I also wanted to be on the same schedule as my daughters (Madi and Sailor) when they were in elementary. My daughter’s first day of kindergarten was also my first day as a teacher!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was a little girl named Alyssa. Before she started kindergarten, she was struck by a drunk driver. She had many surgeries; doctors concluded she would never walk/talk again. I had the honor of being her kindergarten teacher. Watching her learn to sing songs and write her name and get out of her wheelchair and walk- that! I’ll always remember her and how the other five year olds responded to Alyssa with so much compassion, patience, and protectiveness.

What would you do with the $25,000?

1. My sister has stage 4 cancer and can’t afford treatments at $400 per appt. until her deductible is met. 2. I wrecked my car. Mom gave me her old oil-leaking 2007 car w/ warnings twinkling the dashboard. 3. I had to move unexpectedly & make $1,100 less/mo. than I did in the previous county as a teacher the last 19 yrs. 4. A single teacher can’t afford the current rates for housing so I’m sleeping in my mom’s garage. 25K? I'd share it & restore hope to these current circumstances!