Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to share my passion of music with children and to give them an outlet for expression. My hopes are that students are able to take the skills they have learned in music and use them in their everyday life. Cooperation, organization, performance, leadership building as well as dedication are aspects that I wish to pass on to all of my students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences was when I started the first and only fourth grade band program in my county. The students and I worked tirelessly to learn music to perform in a concert. The students were amazing and I was so proud of them. They did what no one thought they could. Perseverance and dedication is definitely something these students excel in.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would donate a portion to the music program at my school to continue to enhance their successful development. This could be bringing outside artists to perform for the students or even buying musical equipment for the students to use. The other portion I would use to enhance my own professional growth by working towards my doctorate degree.