Tell us why you became a teacher

I remember playing school when I was little. My teachers would give me the leftover book orders to take home and I would use them as the work I would give to my “students”. I set up my room with a little table to use as my desk and organized all the supplies. My sister would sometimes be my student, but if not I’d teach away as if I had a class of kids in front of me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience, in recently happened. I received an email from a former student, who is now a senior in high school. His letter outlined how my approach to him and his learning helped set him on the path he is now on. In his letter he speaks of not knowing until now, that his time with me in 4th grade, made it possible for him to understand himself as a learner. The recognition that what I did so naturally with him validates that teaching has always been my calling.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would save the money for my twin daughters’ college expenses.