Kathy

Tell us why you became a teacher

As a kid, I played school with my friends until they grew tired of it. While eating breakfast cereal, I would quiz my friend, Keri, on the nutritional facts and percentages. Fifty years later, she still talks about how I was destined to become a teacher after practicing on her for so many years! Then my mom switched careers to become a teacher, and this continued to inspire me to teach our future.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The situation behind this story is very sad, but essentially, I attended a funeral for a student’s relative, and when he saw that I was in attendance, he ran across the room to hug me. It isn’t a story of academics, but a reflection of relationships. He knew I was there because I care about him.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My school district does not have a science curriculum, so with $25,000, I would invest in hands-on materials for elementary classrooms across the District. In addition, I would set aside funds for teacher training so the curriculum can be implemented effectively and consistently.