Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a science teacher specifically because I wanted to help students see that science is something everyone can do. Unfortunately, most kids either love or hate science by the time they get to high school. By sharing my passion for science with middle schoolers, I hope to help them see that their innate curiosity is not something that needs to be suppressed. Thinking like a scientist - using evidence and reasoning to figure out the world around us - is something we all can do.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One memorable moment came while I was teaching a lesson and some observers came into my room (I believe they were part of the group that evaluates our school for rechartering). While walking and talking during our discussion, I tripped on a student's water bottle, backed up awkwardly into the table behind me, lost my balance and fell to the floor. However, since we were in the middle of talking about forces and motion, I used it as a teachable moment. They never forgot that lesson!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would love to use the money towards field trip experiences for my students - something to get them out and exploring the world. It's so hard to fund field trips right now and we hate asking families to pay.