Tell us why you became a teacher

My teachers changed my life for the better when I was a kid. They believed in me. My 6th grade science teacher had a mnemonic device to learn every bone, and my choir teacher taught me to believe in myself. My teachers were the ones suggesting I teach. I walk in the footsteps of giants who came before me, and I hope to love my students as well as my teachers loved me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A girl with severe learning disabilities wanted a solo for a choir concert. Another student was struggling with drug addiction, but he had a great voice. I paired the two of them together and let them sing a duet, asking the one with the drug addition to help the other one. For the concert, he pushed her toward the mic, and sang in her ear, so she would be in tune. Both students’ mothers attended the concert and were in tears.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My family recently had a flood that took out our entire kitchen and living room, my husband’s and my bedroom, the baby nursery, and our storage room. I’d pay off the debt we incurred from what our homeowners insurance wouldn’t pay in the repairs. Then with a little extra, I’d save some of our money and take my husband to Italy. In the 17 years we’ve been married, we’ve broken into our Italy fund a dozen times and I’ve never been.