Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher as most do- to make a difference. In early elementary, I get to be there when kids are building who they’re going to become. I get to help shape good humans for the future, teach them how amazing they already are, and get a front row seat to incredible growth. I love witnessing regular “lightbulb” moments and watching kids fall in love with learning. I believe knowledge is one of the most powerful tools to you can have. In my wild childhood, teachers were always there for me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I began teaching in a tiny school which had been severely impacted by hurricane Helene. My students missed several months of their previous school year and had a lot of catching up to do. I have been blessed to watch the most inspiring persistence, hard work, ownership of their own learning, and resilience I have ever seen in this group of students. Through a number of hardships, they love to learn and they never give up. Their excitement to feed their own progress and curiosity is incredible.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use part of the prize to strengthen my family’s financial foundation — because stable teachers are better teachers — and invest the rest into my classroom to expand hands-on learning opportunities and meaningful experiences for my students.