Tell us why you became a teacher

At an early age I wanted to be just like my dad, a police officer. However, growing up I knew I had what it took to teach. I started teaching an instrument to someone and I was like I love this. I want to teach in a classroom and from then on I wanted to make a difference and help children have the tools they need to be successful in life. I love how children light up when they have an idea, they just remembered something that they learned or they made a connection about something to life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Each year, there is something to remember. I'm going on 15 years of teaching, and I'd have to say when we had to close for Covid, the facility I worked at was considered essential, half went to stay home the other half stayed. I still taught like it was any normal day cause I knew that what these children needed was consistency and I feel like that helped them work harder and continue to push forward.

What would you do with the $25,000?

To be honest, I would put it towards my classroom and school. There are things that my classroom could benefit from especially manipulative for math and science. I would put it towards courses to improve my teaching and continue my education.