I became a teacher because I’ve always had a passion for helping children learn and grow. As a teenager, I would return to the lower grades to assist younger students, and those experiences confirmed that I truly enjoy working with children. That early exposure inspired me to pursue a career in education where I could make a positive impact.

“One of the most memorable teaching experiences was working with an inclusion student who struggled emotionally and often avoided social settings and classroom expectations. Instead of focusing only on behavior, we focused on building trust and creating a support system he felt safe with. As that trust grew, his behavior and engagement improved-he began staying in class, participating more, and making progress toward his goals. That was a great experience me that build a strong relationship.

I would use the $25,000 to support both academic success and providing social emotional resources, especially for students who struggle with behavior or anxiety. I would also invest in technology and academic intervention materials to support learning gaps. Finally, I would allocate some funds toward student incentives and school spirit programs to increase engagement and motivation. My goal is to support the whole child and improve both behavior and academics.