Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher in the New York City Public school system, because I believe education is one of the most important and powerful tools for transforming lives and communities.Teaching allows me to challenge scholars to think critically, develop resilience, and recognize their own strength.I value the importance of representation and mentorship, showing scholars that success is attainable through hard work, discipline & perseverance.For me teaching is not just a profession, it is a commitment.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences involved an 8th Grade scholar who entered my classroom completely disengage from learning. I made a conscious decision to invest in him beyond the learning itself, taking time to understand how he learned best and what barriers were affecting his engagement. Through consistent conversations and encouragement I began tailoring my instruction to meet his needs.I scaffolded complex text by chunking the reading into manageable sections.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win the $25,000 award, I would invest the funds in the opportunities that directly expand my scholars access to meaningful learning experiences. Many of my students come from communities where exposure to historical sites, museums, and cultural institutions is limited. I would use a portion of the award to create enriching field experiences that allow scholars to connect classroom learning to real world, visiting places such as historical landmarks, museums, and civic institutions.