Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

Preschool began the journey of a lifetime as we began to navigate a road that lead us to an autism diagnosis for my son. His preschool teachers were not equipped in a “mainstream” world to navigate the challenges…. And gifts that came with teaching my son. I was often met with a lack of compassion, a level of frustration and a complete disregard for my want of that village type experience we (as mothers) so desperately need. Teaching lets me make it better for children AND parents together.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My favorite part about being a teacher in the school that I’m in specifically still saying good morning to the children that I had when they were three and four as they come in for before care heading off to middle school. I love keeping in touch. I love watching them grow. I have a memorable experience every day so it’s hard to narrow down just one.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I love what I do, but there’s no secret that early childhood educators are not in it for the money. It’s also no secret we spend lots of money out of our own pocket. If I won $25,000 it would be put to great use in my school to upgrade classroom supplies and purchase a sensory integration system.