Tell us why you became a teacher

I did not have the best experience growing up, life was hard, but it was easier at school. In grade 4 my teacher saw this, and tried to take care of me in the ways she was allowed. I didn't recognize it at the time, but I can now. Since then, I have wanted to become that same person for other children - helping them when they may not have anyone else.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is when I ran a game in my classroom. I teach socials and I find games a great way to bring students back in time. We were playing an industrial revolution game and the students had to build and sell cars at an increasing pace, they were so into it. Every evolution in their factories over time got the biggest reaction. Seeing them connect to a moment in time in the silliest moments is the most fun and memorable for me!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I work at a low-income school where a lot of kids struggle with the day to day things. We don't have much working tech and our school is old, but none of that really matters when some of the students are struggling in life. I would love to put that towards helping the students around me by giving them more access to food and school supplies that I know they can't afford.