Tell us why you became a teacher

While earning my Bachelors of Arts in psychology from MSU Denver, my research interest included: learning, family, and the impacts of esteem and efficiency on student outcomes. Dr. Jones invited me to interview for a position at CCI Charter School. It was there that I was to see all of my passions working together to develop students. I love my students and always seek ways to build strong partnerships with families. I became a teacher to develop students and build community with families.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During a period when I taught in an early childhood learning center, I taught my 3 year-old class about team work. There was a day when 2 of the students were fighting over a toy. A third student watched for a little while, then went to intervene. He stood between them and said "You have to remember that, teamwork makes the dream work!" He helped them find another toy and they all played together. As a middle school teacher, it's my everyday mission to teach the "teamwork" in learning.

What would you do with the $25,000?

During the pandemic, I became guardian for my 3 grandchildren. They are all very beautiful and bright! As a single grandparent guardian, it's been a challenge, but it's been worth it! I would use the $25,000 pay off debt and make some repairs to our home. Plus, I would use $2500 for building community culture in my advisory and social studies classes next year!