Tell us why you became a teacher

My path to teaching was not a straight line, but it ultimately became an obvious choice. As a child, I loved exploring nature and learning how the world worked. I collected rocks and leaves, ran experiments at home, and referred to all of it simply as my “scientific.” During my third year of college, I realized that one of the most meaningful ways to impact the future is by empowering the next generation to think critically and explore the world around them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I love teaching our chemical changes Labs. It is the perfect combination of wonder, hands on experiences, and critical thinking. The labs are completed during Halloween. Baking soda is named bone dust, and vinegar is named skunk spray. Students analyze the properties before and after the reaction occurs. When you combine both substances a balloon is inflated showing a gas is produced. Students then use their Spooky journals to record their observation, deciding what clues show a chemical change

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to fund experiments for my classroom buying consumable goods. I would also use a portion of the proceeds to go to Lakers closet and our after school program, for less fortunate students in our community. Lastly I would use the remain portion of proceed to help me earn my masters in Stem Science to integrate new engaging lesson for student benefit.