Tell us why you became a teacher

She became a media specialist to help students connect what they're learning to other subjects, both in school and out in the world. She uses the makerspace to infuse literacy, critical thinking, and inquiry-based learning into all curriculums in our building by working with teachers to provide projects and experiences that get students excited about learning and give them unique ways to demonstrate what they learned.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

She created a STEAM club to work on a project for NASA. They conducted an experiment to see if they could grow plants using simulated regolith (moon soil). Her students had never planted anything before and didn't know much about space, but she hyped them up and got them excited about designing and running the experiments and learning all about plants. Her students were so engaged they spent their lunches with her for two months to take daily plant measurements!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I believe she would use it to continue making the media center and makerspace a welcoming place that is the heart of the building. She spends her own money and solicits community donations so she can provide experiences for our students, like the yarn and hooks she gives every student who checks out a crochet or knitting book and the collection of board games, puzzles, and crafts she uses with the dozens of kids who have lunch with her every day because the media center is their safe space.