Tell us why you became a teacher

I always enjoyed working with kids from being a camp counselor to tutoring kids after school. In college I saw the impact that I could make on kids and was hooked. I realized what a huge responsibility it was to teach the minds of the next generation. I knew I wanted a hands on job where each day would be fun and exciting. I also wanted to emulate my own teachers who inspired me to be the best I could be and to never give up on my dreams!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

After spending the day at a nature center with 6th graders: the buses were late! The kids were getting restless and I saw a big, grassy hill by the pickup area. I told a few kids that they could roll down the hill. These inner city kids had no clue how to roll down a hill! I got on the ground, folded my arms and rolled. Slowly they all followed me giggling! I’ve shown 1000s of kids over the years how to roll down that hill.They still talk about it when they come back to visit!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would buy a brand new movable planetarium for my school. We inherited one 20 years ago but it is now so out -dated. We still use it and the kids get excited learning inside it… but I’ve seen the quality of the graphics on the new ones and my kids deserve the best!