Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

During the Great Recession of 2008, I was laid off from my job at Blue Man Group Chicago and had to decide what to do with my life. Meanwhile, Barrack Obama was running for President and made comments that convinced me my place was in a classroom helping the youth of our nation. His speech reminded me that in the end, I am just a big kid who likes to show other kids how to be successful both in the classroom and in life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Part of my ELA curriculum asks students to perform a monologue in front of an audience. Last year I invited parents into the room to watch my students read their monologues about the rights of Mexican migrant farm workers during the Great Depression. I was blown away by the poise, confidence, and bravado of my class!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put the money towards transforming my classroom with new furniture (including desks/chairs and work tables), plenty of project materials, and food/supplies for students in my classroom that can't otherwise come to school prepared for the day. The thought always going through my head each day is, "How can I make life more equitable in my room?" This money could help me bring this philosophy into reality. I might use "a bit" of it as well on the trip to Hawaii!