Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher after 3 years working as a special education paraprofessional. I loved working with students with learning needs in small groups. When they had fun learning, they were engaged and motivated to learn. I thought "if I can make learning fun for these students, the possibility for spreading the joy of learning can be extended to even more students in a general education setting!" I ADORE teaching, even on the hard days I can look back and reflect on what worked and what didn't.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Everytime a student sees me at recess, in the halls or even at the local grocery store and asks for a hug makes my day! Students in grades 1-5 are even more special because even if they weren't in my class, I've made some sort of impact on them that they come talk to me. Being such an influence on the students in the community makes me feel like becoming a teacher was the greatest choice Ive made.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My children are both in highschool now, and I recently became a single mom. Times have been tough but I would love to contribute to buying my kids' first cars. My oldest daughter will take her driving test soon and is eager to get a job. My son will be taking drivers Ed soon as well. I would like to pay off my son's orthodontics, and he is also diabetic so it would be nice to put some away for his medical supplies. Anything left over, I would like to set aside for their college funds as well.