Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to help those students in struggling schools. The United States has many students, like mine in Oklahoma, that have tremendous potential yet don’t succeed because of lack of resources. I have a passion to help those kids prove they can compete on the world stage.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many memorable experiences that it is difficult to name one! I have a student this year that was the typical “I can’t do science” student I have seen over and over again. She acted out and caused problems until she started to get some things right. She gained confidence and in time has become one of my best and brightest. It has been inspiring.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We just started an AP environmental science program. I would like to use those funds to fully supply that new program along with anything extra being spent on my biology students. They are the reason I am here. I want to give back to them.