Tell us why you became a teacher

I auditioned to become a music major by singing a song in Italian, proving mastery of scales on piano and joining the marching band. After one semester at this prestigious school, I realized that music was not the major for me! I took a class the next spring called “exploring yourself as a teacher” and was placed in a kindergarten classroom. While participating in the visits, I realized I found my forte! I was in love with molding young minds and inspiring children to love learning!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are too many experiences to simply name one. Overall, the best part of teaching is when a ”lightbulb” comes on when a student understands a concept or is so excited/proud of themselves for achieving a goal that they didn’t feel they were going to achieve! The best feeling is when students don’t want to stop an activity or lesson because they are having so much fun while learning! When they beg to repeat an activity or keep reading a book, those are all precious moments to a teacher!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Teachers/principals do not make a lot of money in the state of IN (or in general). I have 3 children who plan to attend college and one of them plans to be a teacher! $25,000 will help me pay for my personal children to continue their education and obtain a degree to help them prepare for their own careers! That is the goal for all teachers, to produce (personal/professional) productive citizens of society that give back to our community!