Tell us why you became a teacher

I always knew I wanted to work with children and being able to make a difference in their lives. From wanting to be a pediatrician to then a teacher, was seeing the daily impact I could make and provide the safe place I myself had in school.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was more of a result. My first year teaching I had a student that found mental health important as they struggled. Knowing the struggles through experience, I tried being understanding and there for the student. Two years later after changing districts and visiting during a football game, they ran to me , hugged me, and while crying said I was the reason they came to school everyday even when they didn’t want to. It was the first time I saw my influence.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would spilt it into different sections of my life. Part of it into a savings account for my daughter and her future. A part to pay off debt, to relieve financial stress. Then lastly to have to build my curriculum and resources in the classroom. Sometimes there are things I want to do in the classroom to add more flexible and interactive lessons, but, with limited resources, making that happen can be difficult to do.