Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I have always loved Science and believe it should be experienced beyond the pages of a textbook. I am passionate about giving students an opportunity to engage with the materials through hands on experiences, which not only makes learning more exciting, but also helps them develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that they will benefit from the rest of their lives. Teaching allows me to share my passion for science with the next generations.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Last year when a former student randomly appeared on my social media feed, sharing that he had matched with Northwestern University, Chicago for his neurosurgery residency. When I reached out to congratulate him, he expressed his excitement, but mentioned that it still paled in comparison to the moment he successfully built a Rube Goldberg machine in my eighth grade science class 14 years ago. This project continues to make a lasting and impactful experience for my students.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win $25,000, I would invest it in creating memorable experiences for my own children while also providing financial support to help them as a pursue, their future educational endeavors. This would allow me to ensure they have the opportunities and resources to succeed academically and personally, as they continue to grow and navigate their own educational journeys.