Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching gives me the opportunity to get children excited about exploring our world. I always teach that even in our own backyards & neighborhoods there are amazing things to be discovered. The teaching profession has allowed me to share my exuberance for exploration and learning. While I was a teacher’s aide back in 1997 I noticed many students boredom in the classroom. I knew that my sense of humor, enthusiasm & passion for learning could get students enlivened to be in the classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During my second year of teaching 4th grade I had a student who would become aggressive in the classroom. He would throw chairs. He would refuse to do any class work. His mother was so distraught about her child’s disruptive behavior. I decided to empower the student. I made him our class leader. I would give him many responsibilities in the workings of our day. His aggressive behaviors began to lessen. I am fortunate to say that by the end of the year his aggressive behaviors had disappeared.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would pay off the last of my student loans. I believe a portion of the money would be used to travel with my 11 year old daughter to some of the places where I taught. I would love to take her to Magdeburg, Germany & the Bay Area. I would use the rest of the money to make my dream classroom. There is a tree library project I want to build but to do it right I need a decent budget. The money would definitely be put to good use!