Tell us why you became a teacher

I realized in 6th grade that I had a passion for helping others learn. I had classmates coming up to me and asking me for help with their math, and I loved it. I loved being able to help someone learn.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of moments that I'll never forget was in my first few years of teaching. I had junior high students who were learning long division with fractions and decimals. At the end of the unit I had a student tell me she was never able to do long division until she had me as her teacher. It just proves that that even though it may take some a little longer, they are capable of learning, and if a student is willing to learn never give up. I was sooo proud of her.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would finally be able to put a down-payment on a house. I have a family of 6 and we still rent because we've never had enough money for a down-payment.