Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always had a strong sense of empathy and a passion for helping others. In first grade, my teacher, Mrs. Toth, noticed this and let me help classmates who were struggling by working with them one on one. I loved helping them understand and grow. By fifth grade, I even dressed as a teacher for Halloween! Since then I have dedicated my whole life to helping children learn, grow, and become the best versions of themselves. They are our future and from where I am standing it is looking bright!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments was during a two-day fifth grade camp in the Michigan woods. On the second day it rained, but we stayed outside and embraced the adventure. While playing a game, one of my students slipped into a giant muddy fire pit. I rushed to help her up and immediately slipped in myself! We were both completely covered in mud. It shifted the attention and turned into a funny bonding moment. We became “sludge sisters” that day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, my entire world would change. I could access resources for my students I’ve only dreamed of, contribute to growing the legacy of our new school, attend professional development at Ron Clark Academy and build a strong foundation for myself. I would be able to shift my focus from just surviving with negative accounts and paycheck to paycheck, to truly thriving in my classroom and community.