Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe learning should be an adventure. After serving in the Marine Corps, I discovered my passion for discipline, growth, and pushing people to be their best. The military gave me structure; teaching lets me pair that with creativity and fun. I love watching students build confidence, ask big questions, and chase goals. Every day is a mission—to spark curiosity, fuel drive, and help kids realize they’re capable of more than they think.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moments happen during hands-on science experiments. There’s nothing like watching a student’s face light up when we test pupil dilation or create elephant toothpaste and it erupts across the table. The room fills with gasps, laughter, and wide eyes. Seeing their amazement—and then hearing them explain the “why” behind it—is pure magic. That spark of curiosity in real time is why I teach.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d invest directly into student learning. First, classroom libraries—every child deserves complete, high-quality books in their hands. I’d upgrade science materials for bigger, safer, hands-on experiments that spark curiosity. I’d redesign the classroom into an engaging, flexible learning space. And I’d install a large Clevertouch board to make lessons interactive, collaborative, and immersive every single day.