Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a high school transition teacher because I believe students deserve more than graduation—they deserve confidence and direction. Helping young adults with diverse needs build life skills, job readiness, and independence is deeply meaningful to me. I want to be the steady support who sees their potential, pushes them to grow, and prepares them for success beyond the classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences was supporting a student whose mother was killed in a domestic violence incident during his sophomore year. I had worked closely with her on his transition plan. After her death, he came to my room in tears asking, “What am I going to do now?” We grieved, then rebuilt—holding onto her dreams for him. He graduated with two years in HVAC, enrolled in community college, employed, and moving forward with purpose.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would expand my school’s transition program by creating an in-house technical training pathway for neurodiverse students. The program would integrate hands-on learning, structured routines, sensory-conscious spaces, and individualized accommodations to match diverse learning styles. My goal is to build a model that equips students with real job skills, confidence, and independence while honoring how they learn best.