Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted several careers. Women, of my maternal side, taught. Planning engaging environments is architecture from my grandfather, advertising & marketing is ensuring that every lesson is exciting and sparks interest, Archeology when you teach any subject with the enthusiasm of great discovery infused & writing in all subjects. These were careers I wanted & family I wanted to honor while helping children know they are loved, respected & can overcome anything.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A boy, passing his first reading passage, severe dyslexia & working tirelessly with me for months, ensuring a child stayed on track while mom found a job, housing & escaped abuse. One moment? Tomorrow, I will marry the love of my life in front of my students. Our sup & school secretary & my principal planned the little wedding to help me honor my students before I move out of state. Our class is a family, so this moment of proof that our relationships matter, will become my most memorable, now.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 guarantees a certain student has a college/trade start up scholarship to pursue her doctor dream. Securing any needed materials for my classroom lab, at my new school & my current school in rural Alabama would be ideal. My own child’s student loans could be partially paid off. As a single mom for most of my daughters’ upbringing, I worked up to four jobs at a time, so loans and scholarships funded college. My daughter who can not work because of a disability could also benefit.