Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives. A teacher does more than deliver lessons; they help students discover who they are, what they can become, and how they fit into the world around them. Growing up, I experienced firsthand how one encouraging adult can shape confidence and ambition. Those moments of support stayed with me, and they are the reasons I wanted to stand in front of a classroom and offer that same belief to others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments was with a boy who never looked at his book when I read aloud, which frustrated me at first. When I asked why, he explained that he understood better by listening than by following the words. That simple answer changed my perspective and reminded me that students learn in different ways. Later, he told me I was the only teacher who didn’t yell at him for not looking at his book, which showed me how powerful patience and understanding can be.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I had $25,000 for my classroom, I would create a more engaging and flexible learning space by adding flexible seating, new technology, headphones, and updated furniture for educational use. I would invest in hands-on learning activities to support active, interactive lessons, build a classroom library with new books, and offer small prizes as incentives to motivate and reward students.