Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my grandmother, a woman who integrated from the Dominican Republic that was a nurse and teacher of a one room classroom. Every time that I start a lesson I think of what it means to support the whole child, their individual identities, beliefs, and core values. Each person wishes to be seen and when students aren't seen they aren't motivated to learn. I teach for those unseen heroes, as a beacon of light that reminds my students that someone is always there for you.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I saw a student giving a speech to a group of newly enrolled students at my school. The student had started their speech and began to have tears in their eyes. I quickly walked up to the student and said the first thing that came to mind, in 3 words,"you got this."The student then got through their speech with a standing ovation, and as the parents clapped I was reminded that if you believe in students, they will eventually choose to believe in you.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the 25,000 I would purchase supplies to create my own science based curriculum. Most schools can't afford quality science curriculum and are forced to give over 40,000 dollars to start and maintain high academic standards. I want to create a curriculum that public schools can afford and is so affordable that it gets the attention of the companies that are bankrupting our nations schools.If schools could spend less on content they can begin to give teachers the salaries and support they need