Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be a teacher because I’ve always loved helping kids feel confident, capable, and seen. School should be a place where students feel safe to grow, make mistakes, and celebrate who they are. Being able to build relationships, create engaging experiences, and make a lasting impact on students’ lives is what makes teaching so meaningful to me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was working with a student who started the year extremely shy and struggled academically. They rarely participated. Through small group support, consistent encouragement, and celebrating even their smallest wins, I watched their confidence grow. By the end of the year, they were raising their hand and volunteering to read aloud. That transformation reminded me that teaching isn’t just about academic but also helping students believe in themselves.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded the $25,000, I would use it to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for my students through field trips, author visits, and hands-on workshops that bring our curriculum to life. I would also invest in classroom funding—updating our library with diverse books, purchasing STEM resources, and providing supplies that support engaging, collaborative learning every day.