Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher so I could help students grow. Seeing a student grasp a tough concept, develop confidence, or achieve something they once thought impossible is why I am a teacher. It's all about the students and helping them reach their full potential. So much of my passion comes from my students. They energize me with their personalities and efforts. It's the relationships created with my students that allow them to feel accepted and able to achieve in my classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Jasmine had always believed she was "bad at math." She sat quietly in class, never raising her hand." No matter how much effort she put in, she expected failure. I went to one of her soccer games, and cheered her on! The next day, she couldn't believe I went. She began to trust me and ask more questions. Once I noticed the trust, I began telling her over and over again, that she could do this. It wasn't said to her at home. Over some time, she was getting it!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would transform my student's learning experiences. I would fund hands-on projects, STEM kits, and books to ignite curiosity. Enhance my classroom with technology, bring guest speakers, or take students on life-changing field trips (all four 5th-grade classes). Maybe even create scholarships or support underprivileged students. I'd like to do some training to better myself as a teacher.