Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching isn’t just my career; it’s my legacy. Coming from a long line of educators, I grew up seeing how a single lesson can change a life. I was that student who loved every subject and every moment spent in a classroom, so becoming an elementary teacher felt like coming home. It’s the perfect fit because I get to share my heart and wonder with my students every day. I teach to honor my family’s past and to help shape my students’ bright futures. It is a true blessing!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my students spent months struggling to bridge the gap between isolated sounds and full words. We practiced daily, but the "click" hadn't happened yet. One afternoon, while working on a simple story, they pointed to the page and slowly moved through the phonemes. Suddenly, they slid the sounds together and spoke the word clearly. The look of pure shock and pride on their face was unforgettable. That single moment of blending changed everything, finally opening the door to reading.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning this prize would be life-changing. First, I would achieve financial stability by paying off my small credit card debt. Next, I’d invest directly in my classroom with a full set of flexible seating to better support my students' diverse learning needs. To celebrate, I’d take my husband on a well-deserved golf vacation. Finally, I’d use the remaining funds toward my Master’s in Education, as I believe learning is a lifelong process that helps me better serve my students.