Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I want to make a positive impact on students’ lives and help them discover their potential. Growing up, I saw how powerful education can be in shaping confidence, curiosity, and opportunity. I want to create a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was during my student teaching in a middle school classroom. One day, I led a lesson where students were working together to analyze a text and share their ideas with the class. At first, many of the students were hesitant to participate, but as the discussion continued, they began building on each other’s thoughts and making deeper connections to the text. Seeing students gain confidence and realize their voice mattered was incredibly meaningful to me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received the $25,000, I would use it to support my classroom and students by purchasing diverse books, engaging learning materials, and supplies that make lessons more interactive. I would also invest in flexible seating and incentives that promote a positive classroom environment. My goal would be to create a space where students feel supported, excited to learn, and able to see themselves reflected in what they read.