Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a teacher meet my needs when I was in first grade. My parents got a divorce and she loved me that year! I knew at the time I wanted to help other kids like me. I wanted to pour into others and help mold the future. Great teachers change lives. They don’t just teach academics. I wanted to show every child they can do hard things and be successful!!!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Oh gosh there are a lot but the ones I love the most are when I see kids that I had in first grade, that had no support system, who struggled in school but went on to college. The little girl who sat on my lap and cry because she had no mom, dad tried to end his life. 13 years later I got to see be honored at a honors banquet at college along with another boy who had a rough life. They beat the system!!!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000 I would help pay for my daughter’s college. Right now I work two jobs and this would help pay for a semester of college.