Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher later in life. I did so because I wanted to work with kids who need more help in the classroom. I wanted to bring parents onto the team and create a family in my classroom so everyone could work together to help our kids.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I can't really think of a specific time. I teach self contained and have my kids for several year. Everytime one of them conquers a challenge it is memorable. I potty train, teach academics, teach sensory, teach behavior and work on emotional regulation. My kiddos have tough challenges. I love when they think they cannot do something and find out they can.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of it for my classroom. There are things that I can get to enhance their lives and I would do that. I would also use the rest to pay down some debt. It has cost a lot to become a teacher and I have a lot of debt. It would be great to pay some of that down.