Tell us why you became a teacher

became a math teacher because of my own Algebra teacher, who made learning meaningful and enjoyable. She created a classroom where I felt supported, valued, and capable. To this day, I still keep in touch with her and see her as a motherly figure. Her impact inspired me to become that same source of support for my own students—to help them feel confident, welcomed, and capable of succeeding in math and beyond.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experiences are the everyday moments when students light up and say, “Ms., I finally get it!” or thank me for being there for them. Seeing their smiles, hearing their laughter, and watching their confidence grow reminds me why I teach. Knowing that I’ve made a positive impact not only academically but also personally in their lives is what makes teaching so meaningful to me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to support both my professional growth and my students’ learning. I am currently pursuing a degree to better integrate technology into my classroom, and this funding would help reduce my student loans. It would also allow me to purchase classroom supplies and technology tools that create more interactive, engaging, and hands-on learning experiences for my students.