Tell us why you became a teacher

Some of my core childhood memories are of me pretending to be a teacher to a classroom full of stuffed animals and younger siblings. Teaching has been something on my heart for many years. As I aged, the desire to teach became more and more apparent. I worked with children in many capacities until it was time to head off to college, but before officially choosing my program of study my plans were made certain as I sat in a church service one morning and truly felt the calling placed upon me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences happened when I was teaching fourth grade. A student came into the classroom just a few minutes before her peers. She paused at the door and then said to me, "I just love coming in here. It feels like home." This was unexpected, but it struck such a chord with me. I had always wanted my students to feel safe, secure, and loved in my classroom. Her comment has stayed with me year after year.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win the $25,000 I would buy an ice cream cone from the shop right across the street from our school for every student in my building. When the final days of school approach and the afternoons get hot, this would be a nice treat to share with all of the students. With the remaining money, I would purchase a camper van and use it during the summer with my family as we travel across the country camping and exploring.