Tell us why you became a teacher

Teachers have an impact beyond the classroom and that is where my path toward the classroom started. I had a teacher who made such a lasting impression on me which helped me find my path in life. When I left college with my biology degree and went into lab work, I felt a pull to share my love of science with students who were my age when that teacher's support was so encouraging to me. Eventually I answered that call and went back to school to become a middle school science teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I think my most memorable moments in teaching have been when students return to see me and tell me that they're going into a certain profession because I helped them spark their career interest with something they learned in my science class. I have notes and pictures from former students sharing with me and showing me the amazing things they're doing in the environmental sciences, genetics, ecology, cell biology, etc. and that is what keeps me going.

What would you do with the $25,000?

It is my hope to invest in my family, my classroom and myself if I am fortunate enough to be chosen as America’s Favorite Teacher. My family and I can have experiences we have been putting off because of financial limitations. I will be able to update my classroom and provide my students with hands on science opportunities. Finally, I will be able to continue my education which will allow me to grow as an educator and bring new ideas to classroom.