Tell us why you became a teacher

Teaching is something I have always wanted to do. I “played” teacher as a little girl. I enjoy helping kids learn new things. I can’t imagine doing anything else. In high school, I began tutoring after school for the Chickasaw Nation. I went to college, and I have been teaching in Title I schools ever since.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Last summer, my academic group qualified for the national competition. The competition was in Orlando. I drove my kids there from Texas. I was able to take them to Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. At the competition, all 5 of my students won a national trophy. I was so proud of them. We are at the poorest school in Texas. Being able to make this trip happen was incredible. Seeing their faces as they had the time of their lives was priceless. I was able to teach them so many things.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Everyone knows that teachers aren’t paid what they should be paid, so I would pay off debt. My school serves a children's home, and I spend a lot of money on my kids. I am sure some of the money will be spent on them. I truly have the best kids!