Tell us why you became a teacher

In elementary school I was a struggling reader and my mom never wanted me to have an IEP because she didn't want me to be identified. I know she was doing her best, but because of that I did not get all of the support I needed. There was an amazing teacher, Mrs. Callahan, that worked with me even though I wasn't identified. She taught me so many ways to do things and feel successful even if it didn't look like my peers. I wanted to be the "Mrs. Callahan" for all the students I worked with.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student that had high behavior needs. He moved schools frequently and finally landed with me. He was labeled as the "bad/disruptive" which wasn't the case. Learning more about him, he has fetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD, and an inconsistent home. Everyday I would start my day with "Do you know who loves you?" and he would respond "You do Miss. Oliver." All this tiny human needed was to know someone was on his side and that loved him no matter the choices he made.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would put some of the money towards paying off my condo, put money in my savings account, and then use a little to treat myself to a trip after all the hard worked hours with 2nd graders.