Tell us why you became a teacher

It was a calling for me. Like the priesthood, I felt like working with students, impacting our future, was something I had to do. I read once a saying, "I don't want to remember a time that I could make a difference and didn't." That's how I feel about teaching. Each day, I enter my room planning, strategizing, and even, sometimes, plotting ways to help get my students to where they need to be. I live for my kids. I often am up at 4:00 am and don't stop working until I hit my pillow at night.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Actually, it isn't one moment, it is looking into the future. I work so hard to create strong, positive relationships with my kids that it is those moments when I see them 5-, 10-, 15-years down the road that is what is most memorable for me. Seeing my students grow into loving spouses, terrific parents, and phenomenal community members is what drives me, and what I remember the most.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly, I would use it on my students. Currently, I teach science and math. I would love to have more hands-on learning for my students. I would use it for my speech team to travel to away meets or to nationals. I would create a better learning environment for my kids. I would provide snacks for my after-school programs. I would use it to continue to help shape our future for the better.