Tell us why you became a teacher

I started off as a paraprofessional which led me to becoming an at-home caretaker. My experience was primarily with those on the autism spectrum. These individuals required a more structured environment/education while working on life skills in top of academics. This led me to continuing my career with the opportunity teach skills others weren’t sure were possible.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It has been working with an individual who had been pushed off by every one they’ve encountered. A student who was in survival mode for years was finally able to experience stability, structure, love, and the chance to succeed. The behaviors and communication skills improved as well as their academics and functional skills.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I wish I knew; being a teacher, you begin to accrue more debt than we’d prefer. Having to spend so much of our own money on our students; not because we are forced to but because we want to enhance our students experience. Would it go to debt? Go to my students? Go to helping those in my life? All are possibilities but I won’t know until I’m in that position.