Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to make a difference and have always known that working with children is where I belong. Every student in my classroom is met with love, acceptance, and the belief that small acts of kindness create lasting impact. Watching them grow—not just academically, but in how they support and respect one another—fuels my passion daily. Their empathy and eagerness to learn inspire me to foster a classroom built on kindness, respect, and shared growth.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The best part of teaching is the memorable experiences we share with students daily. One I look forward to each year is our 12 Days of Kindness. Each day, students take on a kindness challenge that pushes them beyond their comfort zones and shows them the impact of compassion. When we reflect at the end, they always share how rewarding it felt to spread kindness. It’s a powerful reminder of the difference small acts can make in the world.

What would you do with the $25,000?

It's hard to imagine keeping all of the money to myself. I would put some aside to for my children's college funds and then use the rest to give back to my community, school and classroom!