Tell us why you became a teacher

I worked as a paraeducator in a classroom with students with disabilities and fell in love with teaching! I learned that not all people learn in the same way. You have to meet people where they are to help them grow. Now I love being able to come up with creative ways to help students grasp a challenging concept or apply a newly learned life skill. I am also very passionate about creating opportunities for all students to be meaningfully included in the classroom!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Getting the opportunity to travel to Madison WI to attend an Inclusive Youth Leadership conference with one of my students with a disability and her peer mentor was one of my most memorable experiences teaching. Watching them develop such a close friendship and seeing it in action at the conference was so rewarding. It was incredible to see youth all over the country that are as passionate about inclusive opportunities for students with IDD as we are!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to start education accounts for my own 4 children so they don’t have to take on debt to pursue higher education. As a teacher, I know the benefits of continuing education and want my children to have this opportunity without the debt I had to take on in order to pursue my passion.