Tell us why you became a teacher

I have wanted to be a teacher since second grade. (Mrs. Fox at Two Mile Prairie was amazing!) Learning to read was a struggle for me, and it took the support of several teachers and my mother to teach me how. I’ve always loved working with children, whether it be through babysitting, working in daycare/preschool, having my own classroom of kiddos, or being a mentor to other teachers. I truly cannot imagine a more rewarding profession!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I cannot name just one…a writing celebration when a child sees his first and last writing sample of the year side by side, reading with a small group when they realize they actually read the book in their hands, crying with a parent during a conference when her child shares her work, hugging the children and telling them they are loved on their way out the door each day, hearing from past students who want to stay in touch and share their lives,… I love my job!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would give back some to my church and the school that has been my home for the past 29 years. I would use some to pay off debt and to help my youngest with college cost. I would love to have a little left to take my family on a vacation after I retire this summer.