I became a teacher because I knew I was made for something that serves a purpose in this life. Watching kids learn and grow while making sure they feel seen, heard, and loved in the process is why I do this. I do not do this for state report cards or the biggest jump in my students’ data. I do not do this for the “summers off”, even though that is a huge perk. I became a teacher to be here for the kids.

My most memorable teaching experience comes from a few years back. Class lists were released & I had a student on my lists that was formerly know as a behavior issue. Teachers came to “warn” me about this student. Our days were not always sunshine & rainbows, his behavior in my room did not warrant a class change in the midyear or trips to the office daily. What I learned about him was that he needed love, attention, & someone that cared. His behavior & academics made huge strides that year.

The Bill Nye visit grabbed my attention more than the money at stake. If I were fortunate enough to win, I would like to purchase resources that would make learning more interactive for our students. It would be nice to bring in an experience that our kids may not experience elsewhere, given that we are a Title I school.