Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher partly because of some of the amazing teacher I had when I was in school. I know how much impact a single gesture or act can be on a student's life because I can distinctly remember things that my teachers did for me that greatly helped me to learn and to become a better person. I also love being responsible for someone's inspiration. If a SCIENCE!!! lesson of mine can be responsible for the inspiration of student's love of SCIENCE!!! then I have done my job!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I don't have just one MOST memorable teaching experience. However, one of my favorite moments was during a S.T.E.M lab on potential & kinetic energy. They were building cars with Legos & a student had a complete "ah-ha" moment & became very interested in SCIENCE!!! So much so that he decided to apply for an advanced middle school SCIENCE!!! program to attend next year. On his application he talked about the Lego lesson & his passion for SCIENCE!!! He got in & earned a full scholarship.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$10,000 to pay off debt from student loans and credit cards. $4,000 to pay for new microphones, sound equipment & lights for the Theater Club at my school. $3,000 to pay for supplies & materials for the Ladies Lego Coding Club afterschool program I run. $2,000 to pay for new SCIENCE!!! lab equipment for my classroom. $2,000 into savings. $4,000 for one epic night out with my fellow teachers from school