Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because it was always my goal to work with kids. I became a special education teacher thanks to a high school mentorship program. I went to a preschool once a week and followed around the early childhood special education teacher. On my last day of the semester… I was saying goodbye and a little kiddo ran to the door hugging my leg saying no… stay! I was hooked on early childhood from then on! Twenty years later… I’m still teaching 3,4 and 5 year olds.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It was my first year teaching kindergarten and I had a student that was struggling to complete the work all year. She was a great worker and she never gave up even when it was hard. One day on a math worksheet, she put into words my teaching philosophy that I had not fully developed yet. After an encouraging interaction, she told me this: “ I know, I know Mrs. B., I have to worked harder to get smarter… I will get there!” She in fact grew all year and years later… she was still working hard!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would plan a great vacation for my family and then do some repairs to my home.