Tell us why you became a teacher

I wrote my dad a letter after his 64th birthday this year and it finally dawned on me why I became A teacher. I had a fantastic childhood. Like I would give it 10 stars. I had unconditionally loving parents. They were always laughing, planning little aways for our family, and you could feel their genuine acceptance of who we (I am a triplet) were as individuals. They were there no matter what. I want every child to feel that love and acceptance through me and my classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was having one of the hardest years in my personal life. I was getting a divorce and I was really struggling. Even before that I had some very difficult years with my husbands health issues. It was so difficult to show up and teach but I worked so hard to pour myself into those little kindergarten humans. The year of my divorce I get a letter from a former student who said I was her favorite teacher because I taught her how to be kind and smile even when it was hard. She knew that at 5!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I love plants and taking care of them. I would absolutely love to use that money for a school Greenhouse so kids can have the experience of growing and taking care of plants. I'd also use the money to be a first time home buyer. I'm a single mom and that would take a huge weight of my shoulders.