Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I feel that it is the most important occupation in the world. I have so much love and respect for those that taught me growing up. They were always there for me in more ways than just teaching me what I needed to know in order to graduate. They taught me invaluable life lessons and created some of the best memories of my life for me. I became a teacher because I want to be that for my students as well. Where would we be without the many teachers that helped raise us?

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was the first time I had a student truly confide in me about something serious going on at home. I will never forget the pain that student was experiencing and how they told me that I was the only one they trusted to just listen and be a source of support for them. It was through that experience that I came to fully understand my true role as a teacher. My job isn't to just teach standards but even more to be a mentor and to be a safe haven for my students.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to help pay off my remaining student loans from college (over 20 years ago). I had to put myself through college while also working full-time and being a single mother to three children at the time. I would not have been able to get a college degree and become a teacher if I had not gotten those loans to get me through school. However, it is hard to put anything extra toward them now because I live paycheck to paycheck as a teacher. The money would be a true blessing.