Tell us why you became a teacher

I always loved being in school. I felt excited to learn and happy being around teachers who made me feel capable and cared for. Growing up, I imagined becoming an English or history teacher because I loved stories and using my imagination. Now I teach science and love seeing students become curious about the world around them. Science opens doors for creativity and possibility, especially for students who once thought it wasn’t for them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments was connecting science to something my students already loved. Many of them watched the “Outdoor Boys” YouTube channel during the pandemic, so I built ecology lessons around topics like invasive species using clips from the videos. Students were excited to share what they knew, and it became a powerful moment when they realized the content they enjoyed was directly connected to real science concepts.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the funds into hands-on science experiences for my students. I would expand lab equipment, project materials, and outdoor ecology learning so students can explore science in real-world ways. I would also add flexible seating and tall science tables so students can collaborate in groups and feel more ownership of the classroom, creating a space that feels engaging, accessible, and more like a real science lab.