Tell us why you became a teacher

My whole family is an education for my mom to my sisters to my cousins, but I became a teacher because I wanted to influence my community in a very positive way, especially the kids that they deemed out out of control. I’ve created a safe space in my classroom so that these “out of control kids” can thrive.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I tell the story all the time, but I have a student who is getting ready to graduate this year, but when I met her three years ago, she asked me to sign a drop out form, when that happened I called her mom and asked for one week and she sat with me for one whole week, completing all her work that she was missing, in less than 70 days she graduates and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly, I would go on a real vacation. Often times because of teacher pay teachers don’t go on vacation during the summer. They often are working their second or third jobs. I would donate to teacher programs, but I would definitely go on a vacation.