Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to mentor and inspire the next generation. My background in sales, marketing, and leadership gave me the opportunity to guide and develop others, which I found incredibly fulfilling. As a retail manager, I learned the importance of leadership, patience, and communication—skills that naturally carried over into the classroom. Teaching Georgia Pre-K allows me to make a lasting impact by helping young learners build a strong foundation for their future.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences as a teacher happened when I saw a student go from struggling to confidently mastering a skill. There was a child in my class who had a hard time recognizing letters and sounds. No matter how much we practiced, they would get frustrated and shut down. Instead of pushing harder, I found new ways to make learning fun—using songs, games, and hands-on activities. One day, during a group activity, that same student suddenly lit up and correctly identified letters

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000 for being America’s Favorite Teacher, I would use it to make a lasting impact both in my classroom and in my community. First, I would invest in resources and materials to create a more engaging learning environment for my students—things like hands-on learning tools, technology, and books that inspire curiosity and creativity. Beyond the classroom, I would use a portion of the funds to support early childhood education initiatives, providing mentorship and resources.