Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe in the power of possibility. Every student is full of potential, and I want to be the person who helps them see it, believe it, and reach it. I became a teacher to celebrate victories, guide students through challenges, and remind them that their dreams matter, and they always have somebody in their corner. In short, I teach because helping young minds sore is the most rewarding job in the world.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I think that my most memorable teaching experience would be when I taught my first group of fifth graders. That year was a very challenging year for me, but that group of students made it the most rewarding year. I am now at the middle school with that same group of students and I have loved watching this group grow into amazing individuals.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would be surprise money to give students more access to books, digital media, tools, and creative resources. As a media specialist, my goal is to help students explore, create, and express themselves. Every dollar would go toward inspiring curiosity, building, confidence, and making learning fun so more students can discover their voices and fall in love with reading in technology.