Tell us why you became a teacher

Throughout middle and the start of high school, I believed I was terrible at math. Then, my junior year math teacher helped me discover I was a capable mathematician. I wanted to help other students make that same discovery.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a freshman student come to me with an elementary level of mathematics. Over the course of her freshman year, I worked diligently with her, focusing on helping her understand why mathematics works. By the end of the year, she demonstrated four years worth of learning. I was so proud of how much she had learned and how that manifested in her confidence.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The first thing I would do is schedule a cruise for my wife and me to have time away from our kids for a week. After the trip is finished, I would use the remaining money to pay off our car.