Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl. I had the most amazing kindergarten teacher and she showed me what a teacher can be for their students. As I continued through each level of schooling, I found many teachers whose goal was not just to teach us the curriculum but to be someone who truly cared about us and who we were as people. I wanted to be that kind of teacher. I wanted to show my students that I was always there for them and that my door is always open if they need me!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Along with being a high school math teacher, I’m also the advisor for student council and the senior class. I am in charge of prepping the seniors to walk at graduation. Minutes before graduation, one of the senior girls came running up to me upset and worried about what to do because her high heel broke and we were about to walk out. Without thinking twice, I told her to take off her shoes and gave her mine. I said it was her day and we couldn’t have her graduating barefoot!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to use part of the money to start a scholarship for students who are interested in going into the field of teaching. Then any remaining money would be put into a savings account for my two sons future educations.