I became a teacher because I’m passionate about educating our youth. Growing up, many of my friends and family members became jaded with school and lost sight of why learning matters. With the rise of AI, it’s more important than ever that our youth are intrinsically motivated to learn and develop their own critical thinking skills! As a 2nd grade teacher, I get to set the tone early by creating a classroom that’s fun yet rigorous. School should be a place where students want to be.

My most memorable teaching experience happened this current school year! I have a student whose past teachers warned me about. He was said to be argumentative, illiterate, and truant because of his hatred of school. Before Christmas break his mom wrote me a note about how he not only reads, but is EXCITED to and about how he loves our class! That moment truly reminded me of why I became a teacher.

With the $25,000, I would throw a Fun Day Carnival for my school community. I’ve truly enjoyed the past 5 years of teaching there and want to give back! I truly appreciate all that I’ve learned and everyone I’ve met along the way and they deserve a day to let loose! I’d treat the teachers and staff to dinner and take family on vacation. The remaining money would go towards our school clubs and my student loans.