Tell us why you became a teacher

I have four children and three of them have special needs. I saw the impact that their teachers had on their learning and I wanted to be an advocate for students and parents that were struggling with understanding services and supports for special education. I was adamant that ALL children deserved to have the highest potential towards success as possible and that they would be loved, supported, and taught, to the best of my ability so that they could function in society, however that may look.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student that would merely grunt and point at objects to express her wants and needs. I went back to school to learn sign language and I had been teaching it to my students to allow them to communicate. This student had been actively using simple signs (please, sorry, more) but had never shown any advanced understanding. One day, I wrote cat on the board, and she signed "cat", and then proceeded to sign ever word that was written on the board. She was able to read and sign!!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would build a space (or get a portable) where students with sensory needs could go that would allow them to reset themselves so that they could focus on school. This would enable them to have movement, a quiet area to work on schoolwork, and a designated staff member that could allow them the space and time to use calming strategies to reset themselves. Every child should have the ability to have their needs met while still accessing their education. I think this is the best way to go about it