Tell us why you became a teacher

I was blessed with the most supportive, uplifting educators growing up. I never knew what I wanted to do, other than I wanted to make a difference. Looking back at the end of my high school career I saw who made the difference for me and I felt that teaching was the path that would be most impactful. I also felt I had a unique perspective with my own learning style and wanted to create more kinesthetic lessons for elementary students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In my student teaching, I worked with a 3rd grade boy who was very vocal about his dislike for school. He was also very vocal for his dislike for teachers, including myself. I took it upon myself to hear every negative thing he had to say and respond with love, telling him that I cared for him and thought he was bright. After months of back and forth he hugged me and told me he loved me. His grades improved and he was moved to a higher leveled reading class. He started showing up with a smile.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to provide more tactile resources for our elementary classrooms. Specifically more science manipulatives so students can interact more with the lessons. Also, I would like to expand our classroom libraries and purchase class sets of our favorite books.