Tell us why you became a teacher

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to become a teacher! In addition to teaching the littlest learners, I also teach at the college level to teach aspiring teachers! Teaching allows me to make an impact on students by being a role-model for those who may not have a positive influence outside of school. I want to show students that they are valued and capable of achieving their goals… they just have to keep trying! I love watching the students reach those ah-ha moments in learning!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

After my first year teaching in public school, I almost missed dismissal because the students and I were so engaged in celebrating and dancing because we completed the first year! My assistant snapped a picture of us in a huge group hug, and it is engrained in my memory forever! The looks on our faces in that picture are ones of joy, excitement, and pure love as together we had accomplished a year of learning and creating a class family. I knew that I had created a love for learning for them!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would pour it back into my own family. I know that being the best wife and mom that I can be makes me a better teacher. My family sacrifices a lot when I spend evening and weekends in my classroom! I would use it to help buy or build a home that better fits the size of my family.