Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a special education teacher because I was tired of seeing our students be disappointed every time they had a new teacher. I wanted our students to have consistency, and someone they could depend on. My population of students is already fragile so I wanted to provide them love and support so they can grow in all areas of life. My students are all amazing and worth every full moon, weather change, and schedule changes that happen. Teaching is a constant reminder of how precious life is.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Walking across the stage at graduation with my student who said they would never make it to graduate because he wasn’t smart enough. Working with him to understand he was just different and that’s what made him so special, and that he was very smart he just applied things differently. The smile on his face that day will always be engraved in my mind, and heart.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I will use it to provide more opportunities for my students to gain real life knowledge and experiences. I will purchase new material for our class to have updated hands on activities my students can relate to and learn from. This money would open so many opportunities for our rural community and families that are unable to provide them to the students.