Tell us why you became a teacher

I originally went to college to be an engineer, because all females who excel at math and science should go into medicine or engineering, right? Shortly into my college experience, when driving past an elementary school, I realized that I was going to ignore the advice I’d received to avoid the low paying profession of teaching and switch majors! I’ve never looked back. I may not make much money, but over 25 years of teaching I’ve had the opportunity to change 2000+ lives. That is true success.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It may have not seemed like much at the time, but my most memorable experience was teaching a class of ten K-4th grade students on St. Kitts in the Caribbean. With limited resources, I put together a cross-curricular unit. We read “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle and spent a week exploring, completing science experiments, writing about the ocean that was literally yards from our classroom and immersed ourselves in ocean life. I look back on that week as a true epitome of learning.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would start by purchasing much needed flexible seating options for my classroom. Over the years, I’ve bought so many “pre-loved” pieces of furniture, and it’s time for some updates! I would next use some funds to let each of my sixth graders choose a book for their own library. I still have a copy of “My Side of the Mountain” that my fifth grade teacher gifted to me. Finally, I’d use the additional funds to support my three daughters, ages 21, 19 and 16, and their interests and passions!