Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn't realize I wanted to be a teacher until my senior year of high school. I had to take PE to make up for a missing credit, and it just so happened that my class period matched the Adapted PE class, so every Friday we played games together. Supporting students with disabilities in accessing activities, their environment, and communicating with peers became something I loved and eventually pursued in college. I still love being the person who supports and teaches access to everything.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

As a special education teacher for some of our youngest learners, I have the unique privilege of witnessing many "firsts." A student's first independent steps, first independent movements, and so on. However, the most memorable moment in my experience was introducing a communication system to a student who uses head movements to communicate, and hearing him ask for "more" of an activity for the first time. Giving students a voice is always something I will never forget.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to pursue a master’s degree in Assistive Technology so I can better support students with complex disabilities. When students gain access to communication and their environment, they gain access to relationships, learning, and independence. This opportunity would help me open more doors for students whose voices deserve to be heard.