Tell us why you became a teacher

From the ages of 11 -18 I worked as an unpaid volunteer at a New York Public Library. I worked with many children who were new to the country and new to the English language. I helped them learn to read and write and even helped provide their parents with practice resources to prepare for the U.S. citizenship. I loved the feeling of teaching these individuals so much that I decided to become an ENL teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when it was my first official year working as a 4th grade ENL classroom teacher. I was working with very low English learners. On the inside I was nervous but on the outside determination radiated. I had a student who only spoke in Spanish and was reading at a level C, which would be equivalent to kindergarten level. By the end of the year he was reading at a 3rd grade level. This jump came as shock to many. I was so proud of his growth.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded the $25,000 dollars, I would put it towards a down payment on a house. I would love to have the opportunity to own my own home in the city that raised me and that I educate in.