Tell us why you became a teacher

My parents taught me perspectives and different points of view as I grew up. There were many semesters where school just felt like work. I don't want school to feel like work, so I wanted to be in the classroom and media center to create memorable experiences where kids get excited about learning new information and discovering opportunities.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This year I organized a book flood experience based on the Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition. Every grade level and special area teacher connected their curriculum. Students excitedly talked about Icelandic geography and the printing press. The day of the flood, kids got hot chocolate and packages of books to read by fake fire places around my end of the building. They took home books and excitedly tore open wrapping paper they printed in their art classes. It was a major success!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Personally, pay off my education debt and plan for a trip somewhere fun in the world. Professionally, I would add to my media collection and expand the resources and materials in my makerspace.