Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the movie Matilda. As a child, I was inspired by Ms. Honey and the way she truly saw Matilda when no one else did. Her kindness and belief showed me that one caring teacher can change a child’s life. That stayed with me as I grew up. Today, I teach to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and reminded every day that they are capable, valued, and full of potential.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments was as a learning support teacher working with a student whose goal was to greet others. They were mostly nonverbal, and we practiced every day. One morning, they walked in, looked right at me, and said, “Hi, Mrs. L.” I was the first person they chose to greet. It may seem small, but it was a huge moment that reminded me why I teach.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would invest it back into my classroom to create more inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities for my students. As a learning support teacher, I would expand sensory tools, adaptive resources, and real-world learning experiences that help every child build confidence and independence. My goal is to ensure every student feels supported, capable, and excited to learn.