Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was a child, I always thought teachers had the best job in the world. They get to shape the future, help student, nurture those who need a little extra care and educate the minds of the future. When I was 7 years old I realized then that being a teacher was exactly what I wanted to do. From K-6 grade all my teachers left a huge impact on my heart. I wanted to be the teacher to students that all my teachers were to me. I hope I make a difference like my teachers did for me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

All my teaching experiences are memorable, but the one that stands out the most is a little boy I taught in 3rfld grade who struggled with reading and writing and who had a sad home life. He was tough to get through to for a while but he saw I wasn't giving up on him. By the end of 3rd grade he was reading at an almost 2nd grade level, which was huge. After I left that school and he went to 4th grade, his teacher said, "I miss Ms.Finley, because she helped me read and didn't give up on me".

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to go back to school to earn my third Masters in Special Education or Speech, so that I can make a bigger impact on students. I want to eventually open my own private classroom, helping students in Reading and Writing, who struggle in big classroom settings. I know God has a greater calling in education for me and I am determined to achieve it.