Tell us why you became a teacher

Because I get to help students feel safe, valued, and capable—watching their growth, confidence, and small wins makes every day meaningful. I always wanted to help others and personally, it was not the best student academically and struggled. So becoming a special education teacher. I can relate to the students that struggle and need the extra explaining and help to be successful.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Seeing students understand what is being explained to them and what they’re learning. Seeing the students remember how to do the problem or figure it out and then carrying day-to-day after they have learned it wanting to teach each other is memorable moment in teaching, which can happen every day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off debt that I have accumulated for helping my parents and use it to pay off some on my student loans.