Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to make an impact. Not just on students, but the community. Teaching isn’t just scripted lessons. It’s shaping the future, encouraging failure/growth, and creating lasting connections. Each year brings its own set of challenges and perspectives—not just for students, but for me. While I inspire them, they inspire me. As one student taught me, teaching is a “symbiotic relationship”—we grow together. It’s a journey that stretches, molds, and changes me year after year.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During student teaching, I worked in the STEP building, helping 18-21 year olds with disabilities develop life skills like budgeting, job maintenance, and managing anxiety. At 22, I was teaching students my own age, which deeply impacted me. It opened my eyes to the privilege of learning these skills early and reinforced how necessary education is. Seeing their growth showed me that teaching isn’t just about academics—it’s about empowering students with skills to navigate life confidently.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would expand my classroom library to provide diverse, engaging texts that cater to all reading levels and interests. As a reading interventionist and special education teacher, having a variety of books will allow me to offer personalized book studies and foster a love of reading. The funds would provide texts that promote inclusivity and cultural awareness, as well as materials that support struggling readers, ensuring every student has opportunities to improve their literacy skills.