Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to empower students with knowledge and skills. Mostly, I wanted to stoke curiosity! When I was a curious kid, my teachers answered my millions of questions, steered me in the right direction, and taught me the skills I needed to become a lifelong learner. When I chose teaching, I knew I wanted to be the educator that helps my students fall in love with learning, exploration, and their own potential. Teaching is the best career because we facilitate dreams!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This year, my classes went on a field trip to the Bend Science Station to reinforce our classroom learning about Japanese culture and the biomes and natural disasters of Japan. One of my students really struggles to engage with his learning at school because sitting still, reading, and writing bores him; however, the hands on activities lit him up. The science station employees were so impressed by his engagement they sought me out to share. Watching students light up while learning fuels me!

What would you do with the $25,000?

First thing, I would fund scholarships to the Bend Science Station and Camp Tamarack, an outdoor school and learning experience for students from my school who come from economically disadvantaged families. These are summer experiences help them fall in love with learning. Every kid should have these opportunities. Second, I would use some to help pay for my son's college. He will be a freshman in the fall. Finally, I would take a trip to see the aurora borealis in a new place like Iceland.