Tell us why you became a teacher

I had the most amazingly supportive trio of fifth grade teachers who inspired me to love school (even when it was hard!). From that moment on, I knew I wanted to do the same for future generations. In my heart, I still hold what made my fifth grade year so special so that I can recreate the feelings of belonging and support for my own students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a class that was having a difficult time coming together to see themselves as a classroom community. I'd tried everything. During teacher appreciation week, our librarian asked classes to vote and complete paper plate awards for their teachers. My class gave me the "biggest heart" award. I still wear the award on my lanyard. It's a daily reminder that no matter how much content I teach them, what REALLY matters is that my students know I care about them both individually and as a group.

What would you do with the $25,000?

This amount of money would make a huge difference in my life both professionally and personally. First I would clear the wish list for my own classroom before working with my school to find out what shared resource would make the biggest difference in the overall success of our school community. Any money left would go towards my daughters' college fund.