Tell us why you became a teacher

I had many wonderful teachers myself. Their expertise helped me succeed in a pre-vet program. I have also been a guest speaker at many 4-H seminars. I learned to really care about kids in 4-H club work.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Watching the lights turn on during the genetics/heredity program. These are hard concepts to master. The unit started by my bringing in rare show rabbits in several breeds. Talk about enthusiasm! Planning breedings and seeing the bunnies and seeing if the bunnies followed Mendel’s rules and our punnet square calculations. Students in college were pleased to say that their knowledge stayed with them as they helped classmates learn what I had taught!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Help pay off student debts. Pay for courses and buy textbooks and materials as I pursue higher degrees that will enable me to become a better more effective teacher. Buy supplies for my classroom when local budgets are tight. Continue my interest in my hobby.