Tell us why you became a teacher

As I reflect on my “why”, memories of my own teachers come to mind- the way they planted a seed of curiosity that turned me into a lifelong learner. I wanted to make that same impact with the next generation. I became a teacher to make a difference in the lives of children and to always remind them, it doesn’t matter where you come from; that your dreams are what you make them by the choices you make every day. I want to impact the future leaders by making sure they know someone believes in them

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My husband passed away last year, and I will never forget when I came back to school there was a collection of letters, notes, drawings, and sympathy cards from all the students. That’s when I knew this job is more than just teaching. It’s about building a family and a community within the classroom and being able to feel safe enough with one another that we can share, not just the wins and the great things that happen to us, but also the losses and the tragedies that we all face in our lives.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funds to treat my class to an amazing field trip at the end of the year! I would like to take myself on a vacation for my 40th birthday this summer with my close friends and family, and I would also like to restore my late husband’s classic car, a 1971 Chevy Chevelle, the way we always dreamed about.