Tell us why you became a teacher

I worked as a classroom aide with a seasoned teacher for 3 years in ECE. She was an amazing and taught me so much! After working in her classroom as an aide for students with special needs, I realized that I wanted to make a difference as she had, so I returned to school, and I have not regretted that decision. I teach a self- contained class of 10 students. The teacher who taught me so much has since retired, but I hope one day to make that same influence on someone else!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had an autistic student who did not do well with transitioning to new places. She was not potty trained and would refuse to go into the bathroom. I worked with her for 2½ years. Then one day, she walked in like she had always done it and used the bathroom everyday since then. She is now completely potty trained! This was not academic, but when working with students with disabilities, functional skills are just as important! That was a HUGE success!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off my student debt and take my family on a vacation!!