Tell us why you became a teacher

The growth and development of children have been a passion of mine as long as I can remember. I became a teacher to be apart of sculpting the future , our children. It is my goal to broaden the horizons of any student that I encounter. To introduce to them the ideas and things they did not know exist outside of their environment. I believe that I give students a platform where their voices are heard , their passions are seen , and they are welcomed with open arms. I teach because I love them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I teach art and religion to grades K - 8. I’d planned and taught a lesson about forgiveness! To end the lesson we did an activity that allowed the students to forgive themselves, forgive those who wronged them and did not apologize , as well as ask God for forgiveness. I will NEVER forget the tears and the sincerity as I watched elementary and middle school students take this assignment so seriously. Many of them expressed feeling lighter at the end of class. This forever warms my heart.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The 25,000 prize would be such a blessing to my daughter and I! I’d first get a new car as mine was recently totaled. We are also moving soon and I would use a portion to help with that process. I also would add a large sum to my daughter’s savings. She’s only 5 but my goal is for her to have endless opportunities as she grows. Mostly , I’d pay off debts and save. Ive had many situations of being unprepared for emergencies and I never want to experience that again. The remainder would be saved.