Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be the adult I wish I had in high school. Someone I could go to for any question, content related or not. An adult that did not make you feel bad for being wrong, but instead pushed you to think more critically and openly. I became the teacher I wanted to see.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Last year, I was asked to teach AP Macroeconomics, even though I have degrees in history and anthropology. I learned the material and taught a group of non-selective students the material. On the day of the official exam, my students chanted and walked in confident. 3 hours later, they ran out of the exam room to tell me they knew they passed. Many crying knowing well they will get into more selective colleges. From my cohort, around 98% passed the exam with majority getting a score of 4 or 5/5.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use this towards my student debt in full transparency. I took on loans in order to achieve my goal, and I do not regret that choice. Teaching is the only career I wanted, and this money would help alleviate some pressure. In the end, I am truly honored to be considered and am happy to participate.