Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I want every child—especially those with learning differences—to feel capable, confident, and understood. As someone who has learning differences myself, I know how important it is to normalize those experiences and help students see their strengths. My hope is to create a classroom where children feel supported, discover the joy of learning, and grow into confident, lifelong learners.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments was when a student went home and told their parents, “Mrs. R gets me—she has learning differences too.” That simple connection changed everything. Once the student felt understood, they fully bought into learning. Their confidence grew, they began taking risks, and suddenly they believed they were capable of anything. It was a powerful reminder of how meaningful understanding and trust can be in a classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received $25,000, I would invest in both my students and my family’s future. I would continue my education to better support students, especially those with learning differences. I would also purchase classroom materials that meet a variety of learning needs. I would love to create a small scholarship to support a student, and I would save the remaining funds for my son’s future education.