Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because it is all I have wanted to do since I was eight. I wanted a chance to be like one of the people I had loved and looked up to so much as a kid. I continue meeting and learning from inspiring educators who push me to be the best teacher I can be.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The year after Covid, I started a new position teaching a self-contained class of gifted 5th graders. We started the year 100% virtual. It was my first year teaching a core class in elementary school. We had so much fun getting to know one another and learning online in spite of the unfortunate circumstances. About halfway through the year in person classes were made an option, and the joy of just being with the students who made the choice to return was priceless.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off the remainder of my student loans from my masters program, invest in my retirement, and purchase several class sets of robots so I could start building my school's robotics program and expand our STEAM opportunities.