Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because when I was in 11th grade my best friend was in a horrific accident while playing football. My best friend was paralyzed from the neck down after this accident. We had 5 classes together that year and when he came back to school, I was given the role to help him in the classroom. It was one of the best days of my life watching him “walk” with us when we graduated high school. We kept in touch during college. He worked so hard to graduate from UNF and made such an impact

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Kennedy Parman showed me how to be a teacher. I was her ESE paraprofessional during Covid and she taught me so much. When she got sick; it taught me how to research and be there for an ESE student. London Steney- her dad passed away while she was in 3rd grade and she had and continues to show me the importance of being a teacher and being present to students.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would give it back to help my students in any way I can help them. I would use it to help the students that need extra help in getting to school on time and/or after care to help the families that are trying their hardest. I would alsobuy the iready program that my students genuinely need and a program that will tremendously help them all thrive.