Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn’t actually realize I wanted to be a teacher until I was one! It took one student and family to tell me what a difference I made for them. They were grateful for my innovation and commitment to meet them where they were, values that I strive to use every day for my students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It would be planning a Thanksgiving Parade that included a STEM challenge for our 5th graders. They made massive balloon floats with certain parameters. We included the high schools fine arts and athletic programs to host a parade for the entire elementary.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would build a beautiful chicken brooder to have at school after we hatch chicks. The students would be able to help maintain and take care of them while observing their behaviors. I would use the rest to build a free range coop to bring them home after several weeks of the students observing. The chickens would be well taken care of.