Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching was a natural calling for me as a profession. I remember being that student enthralled by curiosity and always on a continuous journey for more knowledge. As a child, I enjoyed working with my father on projects that required problem-solving challenges with limited resources. As I matured I saw the value of creative thinking. The insight through my own experiences crafted a teaching philosophy to promote independent thinking, make the learning process fun, and create self-learners.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A memorable moment in my 30 years of experience was allowing my sixth graders to take apart CPUs. The class was learning all about how computers worked and parts of a computer. LogicalIy I thought they should take them apart to understand computers. It must have been a memorable moment for some of those students because years later students came back to tell me they found careers in technology because that unit invoked a desire for a tech career. That's learning at its best!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have started a nonprofit robotic summer camp program. The $25,000 would fund Title One students to attend at no cost. These STEM camps are facilitated by 2 teachers who use Vex robotic kits, lessons on robots, wireless technology, collaboration skills, reading schematics, and snacks. We have provided paid and non-paid camps and this money would help spread our camps to other schools! I believe that despite your socioeconomic status having access to STEM is vital for the next generation.