Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a beloved aunt who was a teacher. She made learning exciting and nurtured my curious mind. I wanted to provide that same type of support for others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Many years ago, I taught a young man who at the age of 15 already had an assigned parole officer. This student read on a 3rd grade level at the beginning of the year. With mutual respect, hard work, and a specialized curriculum, his reading jumped two grade levels. Knowing I helped him remove an obstacle in his path to maturity and success confirmed that teaching was for me! I think about him from time to time and hope other teachers picked up the mantle and he continued to grow and thrive.

What would you do with the $25,000?

One of the paradoxes of teaching is that while we instill a love of learning in other children and prepare them for their post-secondary goals, we often struggle to send our personal children to college. I currently have a daughter in vet school and a son and a close family friend in undergrad. Funds of this sort can help continue the legacy of learning in my family circle.