Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher for two MAJOR reasons. I wanted to be a teacher just like my dad! Until I got to school. Then I had a terrible experience in first grade. My teacher was incredibly mean to some of my classmates. I quickly learned to hate going to school. Luckily, my second grade teacher turned this around quickly for me. She instilled a love of learning and reading in me. She made learning fun again! I knew I wanted to be just like her!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are memorable experiences every single day. My most memorable experiences happen almost every year, when my students who struggle come out of their shell. I try so hard to create an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. When the most shy student feels that confidence to read aloud by the end of the school year, in front of all their peers, where at the beginning of the year they refused, THAT is my most memorable moment. Every. Single. Year.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Let’s be honest, we all know teachers aren’t millionaires. I would LOVE to transform my classroom. Fully stock my library, give flexible seating options, soft lighting instead of the fluorescent lights, and possibly bring in some enrichment experiences as well! I would also invest in myself. I would LOVE to attend an in person educational conference that would benefit my teaching career as well.