Tell us why you became a teacher

I became an ELA teacher to ignite a love of reading in young minds and inspire the future Stephen King's of the world. Stories have the power to change lives, and I want my students to discover that magic. Whether they become bestselling authors or simply lifelong readers, my goal is to help them find their voice, think critically, and embrace the beauty of language. Teaching allows me to shape the next generation of storytellers, dreamers, and literary greats.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was seeing a struggling student light up after finally understanding a story’s deeper meaning. They had always believed reading wasn’t for them, but after a class discussion, they connected with the characters and themes in a way that clicked. Watching their confidence grow and hearing them say, "Maybe I do like reading," was a powerful reminder of why I teach—to open doors to new worlds and help students find their love for literature.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to buy a house for myself and my family. Our dream is to own a small family compound, with enough land for our children, our parents, and to pull tiny homes on for displaced LGBTQIA+ youth.