Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher, because it combines two of the things I love most: learning and interacting with children! Children are naturally imaginative and curious. I wanted to harness that curiosity and pass on my passion for knowledge to my students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In 2020, I spent the 1st quarter of school as a live, virtual, teacher. I started out teaching 4th grade, but after one quarter my principal told me she needed me to take over a 3rd grade classroom. I was sad to leave my class, but my new students were also wonderful. They were so bright and inquisitive! The 4th quarter, I was able to come back and teach half of my students online and half in person. Although it was challenging to balance their needs, it was nice to meet them face to face!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the prize money to pay off my debts and fix up my house. My husband and I bought our first house a couple years ago. It was a bit of a fixer-upper. We've had multiple leaks and a few major appliances broke right away. We had to go into debt to repair them. With the $25,000, I would be able to pay it off, make the rest of the repairs, and landscape the backyard so my 4 year old would have a place to play!