Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a special education teacher so I could help those who have the most difficulty, help them succeed to the best of their potential, and give them a safe place to grow and learn.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was working with student who consistently displayed challenging behavior. I stayed consistent, patient, supportive, and built a relationship by getting to know about things he liked outside of school. Over time, I began to see small changes—moments of trust, and fewer outbursts. The student realized that my expectations came from a place of genuine care. Once he understood that I wasn’t giving up on him, his behavior began to improve and he began engaging more positively.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would buy more supports for my classroom and would also like to put money down towards a camper to travel during the summer.