Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I had a science teacher who inspired me to ask questions and stay curious about the world. That experience showed me the power a great teacher can have on a student’s confidence and love of learning. I teach to create hands-on, meaningful experiences that help students think deeply, solve problems, and see themselves as capable scientists and learners.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was teaching Zoo School, where my third graders created ethograms and studied real animal behavior, an advanced zoological skill. Watching eight- and nine-year-olds carefully observe, record patterns, and ask thoughtful questions about why animals behaved the way they did was incredible. Seeing their curiosity deepen into true scientific thinking reminded me that young students are capable of far more complex learning than we sometimes expect.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I would invest directly in hands-on STEM tools that put real problem-solving in students’ hands. I would purchase cardboard cutters, robotics kits, and circuit-building materials to expand engineering and design opportunities in my classroom. My goal would be to remove barriers to access and provide as many meaningful, inquiry-driven STEM experiences as possible so every student can explore, build, and think like an engineer.