Tell us why you became a teacher

Once I had kids of my own, I started volunteering at their school. After about a year, I decided that I wanted to have a classroom of my own and be that person that the students rely on and connect with. I wanted to make difference. As I’ve moved from elementary to high school, I have found that the students need a constant, an ear and someone to be their cheerleader.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My school district honors the top 1% of the district and the teachers are nominated by their peers. The wonderful part is then the school and community collect letters submitted on the teachers behalf. I won this award in 2020 and was given all of the letters people wrote about me. There were several student letters that made me cry. They even received letters from parents at my previous school which was years earlier. It meant so much to me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would plan a family vacation somewhere abroad as I never get to do it. I would save some too!