Tell us why you became a teacher

I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher. My parents instilled in me a deep curiosity and love of learning, which shaped my passion for education. I was also fortunate to have incredible teachers who used humor and genuine care to connect with me, providing the perfect examples to follow. There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing the moment a student finally grasps a concept—the spark of understanding in their eyes and the pride they feel in their own success.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I taught 2nd grade math, I made it a priority for my students to always include units in their answers when solving word problems. If they forgot, I’d quickly respond with, “400 French fries?”—a playful reminder that soon turned into a year-long game. They did their best to avoid getting “fried” by Mr. Max! To cap it off, I reached out to the McDonald’s near our school and arranged for my two math classes to have a French fry party.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m also a proud parent of three children, all working toward their degrees. My oldest is currently student teaching, preparing to become the next “Mr. Max” for a new generation. If I were to receive the $25,000, I’d use it to help pay down some of their school debt, supporting their journey just as I’ve supported my students.