Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I struggled in school, specially math. I remember crying to do homework with my dad in middle school. When given the opportunity, I became a middle school math teacher and felt determined to help students like me who math didn’t come easily. I want to make sure all students receive the best math instruction possible which is why I’ve continued to teach for the last 15 years.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are so many moments that make teaching memorable especially working with 11-14 year olds. I think what continues to be my most memorable experience is seeing a student get the work for the first time. Their faces light up, and you see the ah-ha moment where a student understands the concept, skill or math problem. It’s the best moment and I wish I could bottle up the feeling.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off loans and give back to the community I work with in Brownsville, Brooklyn NY. I would buy books for students and help where I could to give back to the students who give me so much joy.