Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to inspire and teach children. I want them to try and do their best, that’s it. I have always had a love for children and I believe every child can learn in their own way, but they can learn. Any progress from 0 is progress to celebrate. Children crave learning and I wanted to be the one to teach them. It to give them exciting experiences to learn from. I wanted to see their smiles and faces light up while learning. I wanted to see them excel and become successful!!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have so many, but one that sticks out to me is while I was on leave for a kidney transplant, I was teaching reading virtually to my students. I had a struggling child who tried to hard everyday, but just seemed to struggle. We worked daily with her. Upon returning to school, my class welcomed me back with a party, and this child read a card to me, nonissues, by herself. I was so excited to see as they say the light bulb came on and she read with no problem that day on. Made my heart so happy.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put part of it back into my classroom, buying materials and things needed to have more experiences in the classroom. I would give to the Kidney Foundation of Alabama because I am a kidney transplant survivor, twice !! I would save it and take a vacation to Greece or Australia for an awesome experience of my own. Whatever is left over , I would have a celebration for all of my students to showcase their efforts in becoming the best they could be.