Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I love learning and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with others. I want to change lives, set high expectations, and help students celebrate their accomplishments. In the classroom I get to be an educator, a role model, and most importantly a safe place to foster thinking!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

About 10 years into my teaching career I had my most challenging student to date. He was unmotivated, not getting any help or attention at home, and came to school angry at the world every day. Learning was all the way at the bottom of his priority list. It was my personal goal to build a relationship with this student that made him feel wanted, safe, accepted, and ready to learn and be successful. It was not easy, but by the end of the year he didn’t want to leave my classroom. He did it!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win the $25,000 I would pay off some debt, invest in a little “me” time, and make memories with my family.