Tell us why you became a teacher

Since I was a middle schooler, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. My mom was a teacher who fully loved her students and considered them part of our family. I loved exploring new concepts and always loved helping others. I also knew the impact my teachers had on me, and I wanted to share that experience with students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My second year teaching, we took a field trip to a flight museum. I had a student who was particularly difficult in terms of motivation and behavior. I saw her eyes light up after hearing from pilots and being in a cockpit. We talked on the bus on the way home and she said she really thought she wanted to be a pilot. I told her that in order to do that she needed to pay attention to science, social studies, and math. She said, “If that’s part of it, I will focus on working hard!”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I will use some of it for a family vacation, because teaching takes away from family time. I will also use some of it to continue doing the Positive Behavior supports program I am involved in at my school.