Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always wanted to teach. I love learning and want to spread that love of knowledge to others. I want to show students how to widen their worlds through education and that their ability to learn is the greatest gift they possess.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I worked with my fellow grade 9 history teachers at my high school to design a student driven unit on the Maya, Inca, Aztec, and Songhai. The students across the school researched the civilizations and then created their choice of three artifacts that explained an essential aspect of the civilization’s culture or society. These artifacts were displayed in a school wide “museum.” The pride the students felt seeing their work displayed like that makes teaching the best profession.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would go back to school to get another masters in TESOL to better help my many students who speak more than one language. These students have the hardest task of all - they need to learn another language while learning content in a language in which many are not yet proficient. We need more TESOL teachers with the commitment to improve the lives of their students and I believe I am one of those teachers.