Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because you believe every child deserves to feel capable, valued, and understood.I became a teacher to celebrate small victories that others might overlook, to build confidence in students who need someone to believe in them first, and to create a classroom where growth matters more than perfection. Teaching isn’t just my job, it’s my way of advocating, nurturing independence, and helping children discover strengths they didn’t know they had.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student who experienced many obstacles and struggles on a daily basis with their ability to communication, express their wants and needs and use appropriate coping strategies. After months of modeling, encouraging and validating their feelings, the student got angry told me “I am mad” went and calmed himself down in the calm down corner and then said “I feel happy. I love you”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would support create a better classroom environment to help support all my students as well as support the families and other children in the community locally and globally in hopes to give back a portion of what they give me everyday I am lucky enough to teach them.