Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the teachers who came before me. I was lucky to experience some of the best teachers in high school, people I truly admired and wanted to be like someday. Therefore, when it came time to pick a profession teaching was a no-brainer. Today, I am fortunate to call some of those same teachers my colleagues and friends. I feel like teaching is a field that I am constantly growing into and is making a difference in the lives of the kids I teach.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was in my second year of teaching and I had the opportunity to teach business in the International Baccalaureate program. I was nervous, excited, and anxious all at the same time and I remember how well my first day went. Students were learning real-life skills that could be taken with them after high school. I had never been so eager to see students' test scores at the end of the year, and to my surprise they did great and the sense of accomplishment for the students and me was incredible.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The majority of the money would go directly into my classroom to design a class that could make an economics/government course more interactive. Mock trials, investing simulations, supplies, and much more. I also teach strength and conditioning so another portion would go to much-needed equipment to teach kids how to become life-long movers and maintain a healthy lifestyle.