Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Growing up, I did not have a stable household, and my teachers were my rock. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. This is a chance for me to give back.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had to make a devastating phone call to her mom to tell her that I suspected her son was highly addicted to drugs. The pain and terror and her voice still haunt me today. The good news is that he went to rehab and turned his life around. He is in his late 30s now, but still reaches out every now and then to thank me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I know the honorable answer is that I would use that money to aid my classroom and give my students better learning opportunities; however, the truth is, I would use that money to pay off debt, especially the debt I accrued paying for my daughter’s college.