Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching was not my first career path, but it quickly became my calling. When I was given a second opportunity to step into the classroom, I discovered how meaningful being an educator truly is. Students need teachers who remember what it feels like to be where they are, while still challenging them to grow and become their best selves. The relationships built in the classroom often last a lifetime.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Getting our students’ scores recognized by the state superintendent, Richard Woods, was one of my most memorable teaching moments. It was a proud reminder that the hard work my students and I put in every day truly matters. Seeing their growth acknowledged at that level reinforced why I teach, to push students to believe in their potential and achieve more than they thought possible.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would invest in resources that directly support student learning, including high-interest classroom books, hands-on materials, and technology to support differentiated instruction. I would also create engaging literacy experiences that encourage students to read, think critically, and build confidence so every student feels capable of achieving success.