Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to be the person that I needed so often as a little girl and only sometimes found. I became a teacher to be a safe place for children where they know they will be encouraged to make mistakes, take risks, and have fun. I love seeing those aha moments and seeing how much my kids grow throughout the year.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My student, a kindergarten boy, with sometimes scary behaviors, got to school after the SWAT team arrested his mother for a horrible crime the night before. He destroyed my classroom in rage and grief, and collapsed on me, sobbing. I just rocked him. In that wreckage, he realized I was safe. He remained a child who struggled, but he finally knew he was loved and safe. That day didn't just change his year; it redefined my mission to ensure every child feels seen, especially on their darkest day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use a portion to help my children with their college expenses as they are all in college now and make necessary updates to my home. With the rest, my school would be having the best pizza party ever!