Tell us why you became a teacher

Being a teacher is hardly mundane; it is a critical responsibility, but it's also great fun. I am fueled by the values my family instilled in me, and I am driven from my own education in which equal emphasis was given to human development, sound reasoning & thoughtful questioning. Each day I am am grateful and feel proud to serve the public. At heart, I am a strong believer in the power of education; each day I think, “How can I make this happen for the children and the families I serve?”

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Learning stuff other than academics helps us to excel academically. I like to knit so over the years I have taught several students how to knit. The goal is to leverage their interest in art & making things to help them develop their fine motor skills, practice mindfulness to reduce their anxiety, and encourage patience, resilience, grit & a growth mindset. After they leave my class, I learn they take more care with school work and their handwriting & academic performance improve.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Celebrate with my class, do something with or for my family, and then treat myself to something special.