Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of me past teachers. I was going to become an interior designer and after have a really great mentor (my 4th grade teacher), he pointed me towards teaching. I went to bowling green state university and graduted with a bachelors degree in special education. I am so happy i did. I get to go to work everyday and work with such young and amazing students. Each of them are so new to school that I get to see them learn to new words and make new friends for the first time.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The most memorable teaching moment I have had is watching students who are non verbal use words for the first time to express their wants or needs. Everytime it happens it is the most exciting thing. I also teach in an inclusive setting and just watching 3 and 4 year olds not see a difference in one another also makes the job the best.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With 25,000 dollars I would like to buy coats, hats, and gloves for preschool children. I would also like to provide snacks to classrooms in low income areas. I would also like to go back to school and get my masters degree. I would also like to create my classroom a more sensory calming place for my students who have autism or emotional regualtion problems. I want a safe and calm space for them to express themselves through play, music, and experiences.