Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable. I wanted to create a classroom where students feel safe to take risks, grow, and discover their strengths. Teaching allows me to build relationships, spark curiosity, and help children gain the confidence they need, not just in academics, but in who they are becoming.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable experiences was a student who entered first grade not even recognizing his own name. Through incredible hard work, persistence, and daily practice, he grew into a confident reader performing at grade level by the end of the year. More than that, he learned to love learning and believe in himself. Watching his confidence blossom and seeing the pride in his growth was unforgettable.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would invest directly into my students at our school, building a diverse classroom library, providing decodable texts and hands-on literacy materials, and ensuring every child has supplies they can call their own. I would also fund family literacy nights and take-home learning kits so support extends beyond our classroom. My goal would be to remove barriers and give every child the tools and opportunities they deserve to thrive.