Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I had some amazing musical influences in my life, several were teachers. Elementary teachers are some of the most wonderful people! I love to share the joy of music with children. Children are naturally musical and playful, so really my job is the best! My goal is that when they grow up, they’ll be able to dance at a wedding, clap along at a concert, sing happy birthday in tune and just enjoy being a musical person. Even better, I hope they enjoy making music in their families and communities!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Out of all the amazing experiences I’ve witnessed in my 20 years of teaching music, the one that I will never forget is when I taught my 5th graders to play “Simple Gifts” on recorder. It was a song that I loved and I was just so happy that they were picking it up and enjoying it too. Later that week, President Obama’s inauguration was televised at school. I didn’t get to see it, but my students excitedly told me that afternoon that “Simple Gifts” had been played by YoYo Ma on the cello! Goals!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I plan to use it to complete our home renovation, make my dream garden, and invest in real estate. I could use more xylophones in my classroom, too! Early childhood music education is my passion and I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.