Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because, since my first day of kindergarten, it’s all I ever wanted to be! I have so many fond memories of school and wanted to be someone who helps create happy memories of school for others!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I cannot think of just one! I have so many, but the most notable has to be teaching during the pandemic! Everything was chaotic and there were so many uncertainties but being able to still connect with students via Zoom was such a blessing. I learned so much about my kids during those weeks; who was in their family, what pets they had, what they liked to eat for lunch. We connected in ways we couldn’t at school. Connections are really what teaching is all about!

What would you do with the $25,000?

For school? I would love to purchase more STEM materials that students could check out to take home, like a lending library. For myself and my family? I would love to rent an RV and explore some of our national parks. I teach about so many of them, I would love the opportunity to see them in person with my family!