Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn’t plan to be an educator at all. In college I wanted to do something biology and geoscience related. My professors challenged me and I started to enjoy creating plans, executing them and see if they work or go horribly/amazingly wrong. I realized I wanted to continue that type of organization and creativity and felt a classroom was the perfect platform for it. After a few years in the profession, my students enjoyment and what I got from them solidified that I chose the best career ever.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The first year in the profession was the most memorable. Mainly because I had no idea what I was doing. The students and I worked amazing together with a lot of trial and error. One instance, I couldn’t figure out a project to do for a unit and the night before its delivery I had a dream for a plan. I told them about a plan and they ran with it making a project I still use. Students are my favorite artifact I take into the new school year. Without their insight I can’t call myself a teacher.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My oldest child is graduating high school soon. It will go to helping with college expenses.