Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be a teacher since the 4th grade. I knew whatever I did in life, I wanted to help others, and my 4th grade teacher opened my eyes to how much you can affect a child's life for the positive. I realized that you could help in so many different ways, but to be a teacher, you not only help young minds to grow and reach their potential, but that you have the power to influence generations of students to reach their full potentials.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment in my teaching life is not a happy memory. It was when I lost a student to suicide. That fundamentally changed how I approached my relationships with my students. Before I separated my home life and school life. Now I am upfront with my students about my own struggles with depression and take time to make sure all of my students are doing well at home and at school. I never want to have that gut-wrenching feeling again, not knowing if I could have saved them or not.

What would you do with the $25,000?

In all honesty, I would use a good portion of the money on bills, especially medical bills, and use the rest to get my wife a better vehicle. Over the last three years, my now twelve-year-old daughter has had to undergo two years of dialysis, and a kidney transplant. I am doing my best, but those bills can add up quickly. My wife has an old mid-nineties Pontiac. She deserves better, and I want to be able to give it to her. And I might take my daughter to the Lego Store and give us both a treat.