Tell us why you became a teacher

In another life I was a corporate trainer and realized that that every one learns differently. As a parent volunteer in the library & tech lab, I witnessed , firsthand how inclusive the library was for all learners. I became an elementary school librarian because access to books and reading saved my life as a child. The library encompasses EVERY subject and is one of the most leveling places. Whatever a students interest or passion we work together to find the right resource.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have them everyday! Students ask every week “when is Star Lab” coming back. Their enthusiasm and excitement for learning about the constellations, mythology of different cultures in different continents had been mentioned in many a graduation speech. Former students remember it ask “do you still teach with it?” And current students want to experience it in greater depth.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to purchase a Star Lab for our school. Our PTA rents one every year for a week for our students to experience the indoor mobile planetarium. I would be able to incorporate it into more then a one time a year field trip for each class and use it for science, astronomy, mythology and Language arts lessons.