Tell us why you became a teacher

I was a gymnastics coach (I still am 20 years later) all through college. After I graduated with a business degree and got an office job, I realized that my passion was working with kids. I went back to get my masters and it was the best decision ever!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During a lesson, the kids were being really chatty and wiggly. I was getting really frustrated. Instead of yelling or giving out a bunch of consequences I just asked them of they could see the steam coming out of my ears. Then I made a loud steam noise and motioned like steam was coming out of my ears. They all started cracking up and one girl exclaimed, "Mrs. Pearson you're the funniest person I've ever met!" After that they were all much better and we enjoyed the rest of the lesson together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Since this is the first year I've had my own classroom I would use some of it to buy necessary classroom supplies. I need a lot of organizational supplies, classroom books, etc. I would also like to get more STEAM supplies, art supplies and science experience kits.