Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted a career where my energy was spent building something that outlasts me. It’s challenging, it’s exhausting, and it’s rarely quiet—but it’s one of the few jobs where you can go home knowing you left the world slightly more informed than you found it that morning. I believe that education is the only tool capable of changing a person's trajectory regardless of where they started.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment is every year watching my students at the beginning of the year crying "I just can't do this." I simply replied, "Yet." We discussed riding a bike, playing sports, and how it takes time to "get the hang of it". This is the same with academics, especially math. It doesn't make sense, you can't do or understand it "yet". Finally, they realize, "their yet shows up".That shift from "I can't" to "not yet" transformed the entire classroom culture. Failure doesn't exist!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Since our pay increases haven't kept up with the continual increase in cost of living, I would find $25,000 to be a rare breath of relief. I would pay off debt accrued due to lack of funds for car repairs, medical bills, normal needs, and classroom basic items and subscriptions to educational software or apps. that aren't provided. I would replace my air conditioner without increasing my debt and maybe do some needed upgrades to my home. If any extra, spend it in Hawaii!!