Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I’ve loved learning and diversity since I was a child, always dreaming of my own classroom. As an ESL educator, I celebrate culture, language, and belonging. I believe every student’s story matters. Being named Teacher of the Year twice in my career reflects my passion for inclusion, high expectations, and empowering a multitude of learners to find their voice and confidence.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was watching a newcomer student who spoke almost no English find her voice. At first she was silent and unsure. Through trust, love, and encouragement, her confidence grew. The day she raised her hand and presented in English, her classmates applauded and she beamed with pride. It reminded me that ESL teaching is empowerment and belonging in our diverse world.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would invest it directly into my students and classroom community. I would expand culturally diverse classroom libraries, purchase instructional resources for multilingual learners, and provide family engagement events that celebrate language and heritage. I would also create enrichment opportunities and scholarships for students in need. Most importantly, I would use it to continue empowering a multitude of learners in our diverse world.