Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my teachers were the greatest influences on my life. My teachers taught me that I could be more than I imagined. Growing up in a broken and abusive home school became by escape and books became my comfort. I wanted to hopefully have the same impact on children who needed an escape or just needed to be encouraged and loved. I often receive some of the most difficult students but I know it is because they need the most love. I am here to give it to them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was when a little boy came to me from the mountains. He barely knew how to speak. Did not know how to write or use a gluestick. He had zero social skills. By the end of the year it was the highest student in the class. I told him he was my miracle. Years later I saw him at a ball field. This big grown boy hugged me and said, "Mrs. Melton, am I still your miracle?" I said, "yes baby and you always will be."

What would you do with the $25,000?

Oh, Wow! In my title one school, we often run out of many things we need like copy paper, dry erase markers, crayons and other things we need. I would use this money to fulfil those needs first. Then I would use the rest to start a STEM Lab at my school. We need lots of hands on equipment for children to use during our days and in our afterschool program. Children learn better by doing. I would love to give the students in our school an opportunity to learn through experiments.