Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I was inspired by my mother, who was both a New York and a Florida teacher of the year. I have spent much of my life in a classroom. I have witnessed sacrifice, kindness, and dedication to thousands of students. I never dreamed of going into another profession. The rewards of being a teacher go far behind monitary rewards. To look into a child's face and see that you are not only a teacher but a parent, a confidant, and a trusted adult is the one of the greatest joys.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I recently had a student in my class who was unsure of themselves and their identity. They could not tell anyone about what they were feeling inside because according to them their culture would deem them an "outcast". This one student has visited me daily for the past three years. I feel that I helped them, and many others like them, realize that the world is not against them and that my classroom can always be a second home.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Both of my parents are recently retired DOE teachers. They have never gone on a vacation alone. I would love to send them on a dream vacation. Also, I would love to set up a scholarship in my school for a needy child in my grandfather's name. He came to the country with only the shirt on his back, but made sure all four of his children had a college education because he knew that was their passport to a better life.