Tell us why you became a teacher

​I didn't expect a mid-life career shift, but subbing during the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Stepping into the classroom during such a volatile time showed me the incredible resilience of students and their love for school. I realized that my previous professional experience, combined with a newfound passion for education, allowed me to connect with students in a way I never anticipated. I traded my old path for the classroom because I fell in love with the impact.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student who was autistic and loved planes. He wanted to be a pilot so bad that was all he talked about. For a class reward, we went on a virtual field trip around the world, with this student as our pilot. My husband, an actual pilot, came to be his co-pilot. I bought him a costume. It was their best day ever, according to my students!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would re-marry my husband on the beach like we didn't get to do as we planned in 2020.