Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to help young people find their voice, believe in their value, and realize their potential. Education changed my life, and I wanted to pay that forward. Teaching allows me to mentor, challenge, and inspire students to think critically, lead with character, and build a future they can be proud of.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments came when a former student reached out years later to tell me that a lesson I taught about “being real” stayed with them. They said it helped them walk away from the wrong crowd and make better choices. Knowing something said in my classroom helped guide a real-life decision meant everything to me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000 prize, the first thing I would do is thank my wife for the time, energy, and sacrifices she has made to support my work as a teacher. She has been my constant sounding board. I would take her on a well-deserved vacation, and I would also use part of the money to pursue my master’s degree to continue growing as an educator.