Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was young, I struggled with education and had low self-esteem about learning. After joining the Army, I saw how even basic education could transform communities. Later, while working as an airframe and power plant technician, I still wanted to make a difference. Using my GI Bill, I took education classes and quickly discovered a passion for teaching. Education allows me to help children build confidence, think critically, and grow into caring leaders who can strengthen their communities.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of the first years teaching I had a student who struggled at school and with their homelife. After a few weeks they said that they were, “just not smart”. After being there for that student and their parents during that year the student blossomed. Years later the student and parents came back to the school to let me know that she has been accepted into the college of their choice in the field of her choice and ranked in the top ten students in their graduating class.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Each summer, my family and I would travel to places we teach about in school. Experiencing history and culture firsthand would help us share richer stories with our students. We would bring our young daughter and son so they could learn and share those experiences too. And, if there happened to be a little money left over, it might quietly help with a few of my lingering school loans.