Tell us why you became a teacher

I love the world of literature. I planned on being a HS English teacher and then a professor. But then I accidentally fell into this group with intellectual disabilities. These students are extraordinary and can become great citizens. I took a job because I needed a job, it's the best thing that's happened to me. My 31st year with the same population. I wouldn't trade any of it. No day is the same, no student is the same - although the disability may be labeled the same.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Mom cried for joy! I taught a young gentleman how to independently dress himself. It took over two years, but we finally got it where he could put on his own shorts and shirt. Now we're working on having them on correctly. At the beginning, you don't care how it looks, you just want them to be able to dress themselves, like people in the world. But now the world is full of "no tags" and it's very difficult to teach them front and back when we used to use tags as a guide.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am completing my 31st year of teaching, including summer school months, and I would pay off my house. I would like to retire completely with a house that is paid off, so I do not have a mortgage. I would like to be able to volunteer with guys that age out at 22. They go one day before they turn 22. I would love to volunteer with them instead of getting a job to pay my mortgage after I retire. I am a public servant going beyond my 30 years due to LOVING my population who deserve no mortgage!