Tell us why you became a teacher

In high school, I signed up to assist a peer with Autism in her art class. This was my first time making a friend with disabilities. Over the next few years, my life path went towards getting my Bachelor's in Special Education/ Psychology. After moving to North Carolina, I worked in a group home for people with Autism, which led to assisting in a self-contained classroom for students with severe disabilities. From there, I earned my Master's in the Adapted Curriculum and haven't turned back!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

As a young mother of two and a second year teacher, I was relieved to get through the first year of teaching relatively unscathed. My classroom had 5 students, all with multiple disabilities. There were behavior challenges and communication needs that required a lot of patience and knowledge. Sometimes, I went home with bruises and tears. Other days, I went home exhausted, but proud of small gains. That year, I was proud to be voted by my peers as Teacher of the Year for my school!

What would you do with the $25,000?

First off, I would pay off my student loans! I would also love to renovate parts of the 100-year old house that my family and I have lovingly lived in for almost two decades. As a teacher in North Carolina, we are sorely underpaid so there are many things we would love to fix up in our old house!