Tell us why you became a teacher

I decided to become a teacher while I was still in high school, when I discovered how much I loved sharing the subjects I was passionate about with others. Today I enjoy connecting lessons to real-world situations so the material feels meaningful and relevant to my students. I strive to create a fun and engaging classroom environment to motivate all of my students to come to school each day ready to participate in their educational experiences.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience occurred when a student who had faced significant barriers throughout her education approached me to tell me that I finally made social studies interesting for her. This student said my passion for the subject and ability to make it understandable changed how she viewed history and geography. What that student said reminded me that although I was not aware in the moment, I was making an impact on a students' education in a meaningful way.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded $25,000, I would invest it directly into my classroom to enhance student learning and engagement. A portion of the funding would go toward updated instructional materials and resources that would support social studies. This includes primary sources, diverse historical texts, and project-based learning materials that would help students connect the curriculum to real-world issues. I would also allocate funds towards classroom technology and updated classroom supplies/materials.