Tell us why you became a teacher

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. My mom was one of my biggest inspirations she taught, and I used to go with her and help in her classroom. I fell in love with helping children learn and grow. I love seeing a child come in knowing very little and leave with so much knowledge and confidence. Working with children with exceptionalities fills my heart and reminds me daily why I chose this path.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments was seeing a nonverbal student begin to communicate for the first time. Through consistency, love, and support, they started using signs and engaging with others. Watching that growth and knowing I helped them find their voice was powerful. Seeing my students gain skills, confidence, and independence is something I will never forget.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in creating a sensory-friendly, hands-on learning environment for my students. I would purchase adaptive materials, communication tools, and engaging resources that support all learning styles. I would also provide families with tools to use at home and bring in additional supports to help my students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. My goal is to give them every opportunity to succeed.