Tell us why you became a teacher

I believe teaching has just been in the higher power’s plan. I worked with students at an after daycare center during high-school and college and then decided I wanted to do hair. While as a hairstylist I missed working with kids. That’s when I decided to substitute teach on top of doing hair. When my youngest child went into kindergarten I decided to work at the school. I’ve been thru a painful divorce and gaining my credentials as a single mom has given me purpose.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When a student of mine followed me to the towns parade for homecoming and when it dawned on me that his parents were not with him. Being in trouble earlier that day his parents had given me their cell number. He’s now older and that story makes us both laugh. I’ve gone on to teach his younger sibling.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Help pay off some bills from my divorce and put some aside for college for my girls. It’s been a long few years of just getting by.