I became a teacher because I love creating opportunities for kids to learn new things and grow their skills. My favorite thing is watching kids light up when they learn something and it blows their mind! My goal as a teacher to make core memories with my students throughout our school year, so they hold onto those learning experiences and stay curious as life long learners after they leave my classroom.

Every March, my fourth graders hatch chicks during our embryology unit. They dissect eggs, learn the parts, and watch in awe as chicks pip and hatch. One year, a struggling chick, Chick Solo, was stuck after 24 hours. In front of my class, I gently helped him hatch. He chirped the whole time… and survived! He grew into our most mischievous class mascot, and families still talk about him years later.

If I won the $25,000 I would put the money toward purchasing a more reliable family vehicle. The two vehicles we are currently driving are on their last lap. Unfortunately with the pay freeze and increased insurance rates my district has put in place, we’re already losing four mortgage payments out of my paycheck and we cannot afford a car payment on top of everything. This $25,000 would help me put my family in a safer vehicle without the stress of massive car payments on our tight budget.