Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

Ever since graduate school, where I was a teaching assistant for my first year, I fell in love with teaching. To help young people have “Eureka!” moments and ignite curiosities about their world, and see the growth in the skills and confidence they have in taking the complex unknown and systematically breaking it down into an understandable known, is intoxicating and something that never gets old. Students then have the tools to go into a complex world and find pathways that are right for them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I started my career nearly thirty years ago in Chicago Public Schools, and in my first year had a black student from a low income, challenging home. He had a dream of being a figure skater, and was trying to hide the fact he’s gay. The community didn’t accept someone like this, and bullied him. He lost his way and was suicidal. Now a beloved teacher at my current school, he said I’m the only one who ‘saw’ him and showed he has a place in this world - teachers do have the power to change lives!

What would you do with the $25,000?

The award money will be split between three student-led projects we’ve done for years: Achievement gap work with 3rd through 8th grade students of color, at our feeder district elementary schools, which reduces opportunity gaps when they reach high school. Tower gardens in my classroom to grow & distribute produce year-round for families in need. Malawi partner schools (20+; now a national model), which use funds for school-owned and run farms to feed thousands of kids for the school year.