Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the profound impact my third-grade teacher, Mrs. French, had on me. She made every lesson feel like an adventure, sparking my love for learning. Her patience, encouragement, and belief in me gave me the confidence to succeed. Mrs. French showed me how powerful a teacher’s influence can be, and I hope to inspire my students the same way—by fostering curiosity and helping them believe in their own potential.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In my first-year teaching, I had a student move into my classroom from a different school, midyear. When she arrived, I could see the fear and sadness behind her smile. She came from a home that could not provide her with the things she truly needed. I remember washing her clothes for her at school and helping her comb her hair. One day she told me that I was a real-life "Ms. Honey" to her. I will never forget her telling me that I helped her live another year. That's what it's all about.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use this money to fund a special event or project that my students could take ownership of, like a community service initiative or a creative arts project that would allow them to express their talents and give back to the school or local community. It’s important to invest in both their academic growth and their sense of belonging and impact. Ultimately, I’d want this prize to not just benefit me but to create a lasting positive effect on my students and the community as a whole.