Tell us why you became a teacher

Honestly, it was an accident! I had been a church musician with four children's choirs, and loved teaching music. So I made the transition to a K-12 school and never looked back! I am a little unconventional in my teaching; music does not have to be a student's career path, but I hope to create lifelong musicians.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience would have to be the month after we first received our ukulele at school. I was scared to death to start with Kindergarten students, and so many people told me I shouldn't. But, I did start with them. They loved it! The instrument fit perfectly in their hands, and they were playing songs in just a few weeks. Around the fourth week, one of my more challenging students said, "I wish I could do this all day!" I almost cried!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'm not completely sure what I would do with the $25,000. I'm very close to retirement, and may use it to supplement that. Or I may take a nice long vacation.