Tell us why you became a teacher

Books have always taken me to new places. Books provide resources, information, entertainment, travel, wonder, and opportunity. I love sharing books with students so that they have golden opportunities to learn and grow. I want to give students the gift of reading not because they have to, because they want to. Self-direction in reading helps students realize who they are and what they'd like to become. Literacy makes them empathetic, culturally understanding, and critical thinkers.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

For Dr. Seuss's birthday, I used to get all dressed up like Cat in the Hat when I taught kindergarten. My class would cook green eggs and ham. I made all day Seuss activities. Some of my students from those early years came back to visit me as adults with their own children on Dr. Seuss's birthday. It just so happened that I was dressed for the part, read Seuss books, and celebrated with my "grand-students!" We enjoyed the day like old friends and new Seuss fans. I felt validated and appreciated

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would like to start a non-profit organization to help tutor students who need help in reading. Students who struggle to read can find impacts on their abilty to get a good job, go to college, or have high self-esteem. This organization would provide assistance to those with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and dysgraphia. This seed money would help me organize a group of teachers who can support and instruct to the student's individual needs. Both adults and children can be helped.